The Tough Basketball Competition in Asian Games :: Quarterfinals :: Semifinals :: Finals

The road to the gold medals will inevitably be fierce as teams will try to put up a decent game to pull through…
The quarterfinals cast of the basketball competition is now complete in the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China although there were a lot of shocking reversals that took place in the wild and erratic Group F. The teams advancing to the quarterfinal round from Group F are Japan, Iran, the Philippines and Qatar, whilst China, South Korea, Jordan and North Korea of Group G also barges into the knock out stages. Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Chinese-Taipei and India miss the bus to the quarters, and interestingly Kazakhstan, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia doesn’t send their respective basketball national teams in the Games which would’ve been tough contenders too in the basketball event .

The scrappy and tough Japan side proves to be the surprise package of the tournament thus far as it surprised Asian basketball Champion Iran with a squeaker 57-56 and another thrilling win over medal contender the Philippines 60-58 to pace Group F with 4 win and 1 loss slate.

The Japanese which parades a taller and faster team this time will lean on NBA veteran Yuta Tabuse and the fiery brother tandem of Kosuke Takeuchi and Joji Takeuchi against their quarterfinal foe North Korea. The perennial favorite China which swept Group F will tackle dangerous Qatari team and is expected to use their edge on height, crisp outside sniping and deliberate plays. The Qatari team is the only team that scored a win over Japan in the Group

The Philippines which didn’t compete in the men’s basketball tournament in the last staging of Asian Games in Busan, South Korea pins it hopes on skipper Chris Tiu and Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) seasoned players Asi Taulava and Kelly Williams. The Philippines’ naturalized player Marcus Douthit failed to play for the Philippines and could’ve give the country a big lift on the shaded lane with his huge frame and defensive hustle. His naturalization papers are still on the process of approval.

The Iranian team the current Asian champion and one of the three countries (along with China and South Korea), that competed in Beijing Olympics will have its hands full against fellow Middle East country Jordan.

The Philippine Smart Gilas Team Placed Fourth in the FIBA Championship

The Philippine quest for its lost glory in the sports of basketball in Asian caging finally got a shot in arm as it charged through the semifinal round of the FIBA Championship and eventually finished fourth. The meet served as a qualifier for the single slot into the London Olympics in 2012.

The Philippine basketball quintet used to be a dominant force in the continent few decades ago and finally started to make its presence felt.

The Philippine languished in the pit of torment and defeat for the past many many years, as the passion for the sports is slowly dwindling down in the country. While the basketball suffered numbing losses, here and there, the Philippine football team stole the limelight and now steadily becoming an emerging power in Asian soccer.

But with the country’s fourth place which bristles like a medal finish is expected to usher in a new era for the sports. The country which found too much difficulty in even breezing past the quarterfinals is finally in the driver’s seat, once again.

The fourth place the country achieved means the Philippines is the fourth best team in the Asian basketball right now. Even better than performance dished out by defending and perennial top favorite Iran, also-game teams like Japan, Lebanon, Chinese-Taipei and Qatar.

The Nationals surprisingly made it to the semifinal phase and medal round of the tournament after dispatching Chinese-Taipei 95-78 in the quarterfinals. However, the team lost steam in the semifinal round as they bowed to Jordan which wielded the upset axe earlier in the quarterfinal match on four-time champion Iran. The defending champion Iran which is headed by Memphis Grizzlies center Hamed Haddidi is also the one of the two Asian nations that represented Asia in the last staging of the Olympics. The Philippine next bowed to South Korea on their bronze medal match.

The Philippine team which won the championship five times last made it into the semifinals in the 1987 edition in Bangkok, Thailand. The Philippines wound up fourth as it succumbed to Japan other bronze medal match.

The Philippines is mentored by Serbian Rajko Toroman, who is responsible for steering Iran in the Olympics.  Toroman now brought his wares to the Phillippine team and his brilliance is spilling over his players.

The Philippines clobbered Gulf State powers UAE and Bahrain and lost to powerhouse China in the elimination. The Philippines swept its games in the second round bowling over Japan, Jordan and Syria.

The Filipinos heart and soul in the wooden court is perhaps, Marcus Douthit who registered a scintillating double-double average performance in the tournament.

A native of Syracuse, New York, Douthit was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2004 Rookie Draft in the NBA and played professionally in Russia. Toroman brought in Douthit way back in 2010.

Now the country is in the thick of things in the Asian basketball scene and with more international exposure and experience, may the country bring back the glory days and we hope that they will improve much further in the future and be potent threat not only in Asia but in the whole world again.

The Tough Utah Jazz Coach Jerry Sloan

Perhaps one of the best coaches in the NBA without a crown is the firm yet composed Jerry Sloan of the Utah Jazz. Although he doesn’t have some NBA championships to boot, Sloan is respected by his peers and fans. He is best remembered by piloting the underdog Utah Jazz into the NBA finals in 1997 to 1998. The resilient which is short in firepower and depth lost to the vaunted Chicago Bulls which paraded a lineup that boasts of high scoring and enigmatic Michael Jordan, defensive sentinel Scottie Pippen and rebounding phenom Dennis Rodman. Meanwhile the Jazz were led by Karl Malone who holds the second best all-time career score in the league, the all-time leader in assists and steals who is John Stockton and the sweet shooting Jeff Hornacek.

Sloan’s trademark is the pick and roll wherein one mistake by a defender will result to an open player shooting for a basket with ease either by a perimeter shot or dunk or a layup.

The Jazz also thrives on half-court offense which highlights the cohesive, creative and resourceful plays of the team. The Jazz is also an accomplished defensive team and doesn’t need many attempts to pile up points since they are accurate with their mark.

Sloan holds the record as the longest tenured coach in the NBA, and he is still coaching the Jazz as of present. He has so far coach the Jazz for since 1988. Sloan also holds a win loss record of 1190–780 and ranked third on the all-time list in the league. Sloan also helped the Jazz secure six division championships and ten seasons above fifty wins

Although Sloan and his Jazz team weren’t lucky enough in securing an NBA crown they are still well-respected by many since their courage and flair on the hardwood is also a potent force to reckon with

Phl Smart Gilas Team Nips Chinese Taipei Enters Quarterfinal Round

The Philippine Smart Gilas team breezed past gritty Chinese Taipei 82-73 to earn a quarterfinal berth in the basketball competitions of 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China. The Philippine team finished third in Group F with a 3 win 2 loss record in the second round and will meet many time rival South Korea, where the winner will advance to the semifinal round.

Asi Taulava and Marcio Lassiter each scored 18 points while Chris Tiu chipped in 15 points to lead the Philippine charge. The Filipinos just lead by two points at half time but managed to pull away from Chinese Taipei in the fourth quarter to secure their third win in five outings.

China meanwhile annexed the top spot in Group G by beating South Korea 72-64, while Iran crushed Qatar 88-46 to top Group F.

Other countries that also made it to the quarterfinals are Japan, Iran, Qatar, North Korea, and Jordan.

Philippines Beat India in Fifth Round to Wrest Second Place in Asian Games

Philippines Upsets Kazakhstan in 4^th Round of Chess Competition in Asiad

2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou China

The Complete Lists of Filipino Medalists in the 2010 Asian Games

Philippines Loses to Japan in Asian Games

Philippine Basketball Team Win Over India in Asian Games

The Philippine Smart Gilas team toyed with winless India, escaping with a resounding win 78-57, to even their win-loss slate at 2 apiece and eventually sealing a berth to the quarterfinal round of the basketball competition in the 2010 Asian Games held in Guangzhou, China.

Another win tomorrow against the Chinese-Taipei, will prevent them from facing heavy favorite and host China and instead will tangle with the dangerous South Korean quintet.

The Philippine team started slowly as they even lead the Indians by a mere point after the first half. But the Philippines finally showed their true worth and tenacity in the remaining half of the match as they thoroughly outscored their rival from South Asia 46-24, to engineer the rout and the much needed win that propels the Filipinos to the knock out stages of the basketball competition.

Joseph Evans Casio sizzled with 18 points including three treys and Chris Tiu added 13 points to spearhead the Filipinos balance scoring attack.

The Filipinos also won earlier against Qatar, but drop its two matches to Japan and defending champion Iran. The Philippines will wind up its campaign in the second round in Group F against the Chinese-Taipei who is also vying for the quarterfinal seat.

Related Links:

Philippines Beat India in Fifth Round to Wrest Second Place in Asian Games

Philippines Upsets Kazakhstan in 4^th Round of Chess Competition in Asiad

2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou China

The Complete Lists of Filipino Medalists in the 2010 Asian Games

Philippines Loses to Japan in Asian Games

Philippines Versus India in Asian Games

The Philippines will take on lowly India on their fourth game in the second round of action in Group F of the basketball competitions of the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China. The Philippines must win one of its two remaining games to gain a berth in the quarterfinals. The last game of the Smart Gilas Phl team would be against dangerous Chinese-Taipei.

If the Philippines will sweep its two remaining game it will face South Korea in the next round. Winning one of their remaining them may set them an early duel with China and two setbacks will virtually eliminate them in the tournament.  The Filipino cagers stomped its class against Qatar, while bowing to Asian champion Iran and Japan.

Overall the Philippines had amassed 2 golds 2 silvers and 8 bronzes on their Asiad campaign which is good for 15th place, and now lags behind SEA rivals such as Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia, and ahead over Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Timor Leste.

Japan Dealt the Philippines its Second Loss in Asian Games

The Philippine men’s basketball team which is also known as Smart Gilas absorbed its second loss in three games this time losing a close 58-60 decision over tournament’s surprise package Japan in the second round hostilities in the basketball event of the 2010 Asian Games held in Guangzhou, China.

The Philippine team which splits its first two games, lost to Asian Champion Iran 48-65 on its first game, but come back strong on its second as they dished out a lopsided 90-68, romp of Qatar.

The Filipinos must sweep its two remaining games to enhance their chance of barging into the medal round and avoiding early collision with the top teams in Group G that includes China and South Korea.

The Smart Gilas is slated to meet India and Chinese-Taipei wrap up its campaign in the second round led in the first quarter 14-9 against the Japanese side. The Japan team never bucked down as they play toe-and-nail against the Filipinos all throughout the game.

The Japanese outscored the Filipinos in the fourth quarter to seal their second straight close win. The Japanese team earlier upset Asian champion Iran 57-56 and created stir in the tournament.

Ishizaki Takumi paced Japan with 16 points, whilst Marcio Lassiter and Kelly Williams score 13 and 12 points apiece for the humbled Philippine cage team.

Related Links:

2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou China

Philippines Beat India in Fifth Round to Wrest Second Place in Asian Games

The Complete Lists of Filipino Medalists in the 2010 Asian Games

Philippines Upsets Kazakhstan in 4^th Round of Chess Competition in Asiad

Effective Ways to Improve Your Free Throw Shooting in Basketball

Kobe Bryant taking a free throw attempt.

Free throw shooting may play a great role in crucial stages of a basketball game. It may help a team cruise to a rousing victory over their pesky opponents or perhaps tie the game and ensue an overtime in the offing.

In NBA, players that are poor shooters are usually fouled and in turn given the opportunity to shoot in the free throw line. Of course, the chance of missing the mark is higher especially when the one that is attempting to chip in bonus points has an atrocious free throw shooting percentage. Hence, free throw shooting is important and it is should be given importance by any players.

Here are some effective tips and pointers to improve further on your free throw shooting:

1. Practice a lot. Shoot from the free throw line as many as you can, and the more you shoot the better you will get. Remember that Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers is a deadly shooter aside from of course being a respected and ferocious slasher. He is shooting hundreds of attempts from any corners of the basketball court including the free throw line. Doing this a lot, will make you comfortable while shooting from the free throw line and makes you familiar with the distance and the force you will exert on the ball en route to sure points.

2. While practicing you must have a firm grip of the ball and your arms should be in perpendicular to your body.

3. Take your time while shooting to get your groove.

4. Control the pressure, never mind the crowd just concentrate in shooting those points from the free throw line one at a time.

5. Enjoy shooting the giveaway points, they are yours to take, and it is ironic not to pull through since no one is guarding you, hehehe.

Here it is cues, tips or pointers that will help you develop into a absolute free throw shooter.

Rare Things in Sports

Sports continue to fascinates us and even leave us in awe as if we are in state of trance. Superb performance and tricks dished out by remarkable athletes will simply throw us right off from our seats, and keep us guessing how the things before our very eyes transpired.
Here are some things that are considered rare in sports.

1. Golf – Hole in one, or an eagle.
2. Basketball – Four point play, buzzer beating basket that serve as the winning basket in the end, quadruple double, a dunk with very high level of difficulty of doing it, 100+ point, 20+ assists or rebounds, 10+ blocks, or 7+ steals performance in one game.
3. Baseball – Multiple home runs (three or more) and hits (9) in a game, and a grand slam or two in a single inning.
4. Gymnastics – Rare triple and perfect score of 10.
5. Diving – In the last staging of the Olympics in Beijing, China, the highest degree of difficulty that is utilized is 3.8, which is a reverse 2 and a half somersaults with 2 and a half twists in pike on both the three and ten meter platform.
6. Boxing – Word champion in at least three weight divisions or a knock out win under one minute in the first round.
7. Athletics – Running under 10 seconds in the 100 meter dash.
8. Figure skating – Rare double.
9. Billiards – Shooting the nine ball in just first try.
10. Bowling – Perfect score of 300 in 10 frames.

You may post your own share of rare stuffs in various sports here.

Take Your Pick Lakers, Heat, Celtics or Perhaps Other Teams in the NBA

The opening of the 2010-2011 NBA season will blast off this November and many title hungry teams are crowding the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers quintet will lean on its popular superstar Kobe Bryant and the virtuosity of their head coach Phil Jackson. Both Bryant and Jackson are gunning for their sixth NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers. Additionally, Jackson seeks his 12th NBA title overall.

The Los Angeles Lakers team is still very intact, as Spanish behemoth Pau Gasol, defensive sentinel formed Ron Artest and behemoth Andrew Bynum which forms the nucleus of the team that won the title in the 2009-2010 NBA Season are returning in harness stave off any resistance mounted by their opponents.

The Miami Heat was perhaps the biggest winner in the off-season build-up by acquiring LeBron James from the Cleveland Cavaliers, Chris Bosh of Toronto Raptors and hometown favorite Dwyane Wade will form a formidable triumvirate that will surely give other teams a run for their money.

Other teams to watch in the coming new NBA season is Oklahoma City which boasts off a line up led by 2009 NBA Season MVP Kevin Durant. Boston Celtics which is bannered by the quartet of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo will surely give other teams in the league huge headache on the wooden court.