Brunei Basketball: 2008

Brunei cagers fifth in China
By James Kon

The Brunei national basketball team did the country proud when they took fifth place at the 2008 China-Asean CBO Male Basketball Invitational Games held in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the People's Republic of China last week.

Fist place went to powerhouse Philippines followed by China' Guangxi team, Singapore, Macau and then Brunei Darussalam.

Malaysia represented by a team from Johor came in sixth place while Vietnam were in seventh place and Myanmar took the last place.

The Brunei cagers had to beat three teams to clinch the fifth place finish. After a bad start in the first two days losing to Singapore and Philippines, Brunei came back strongly to beat Vietnam in a heart stopping game winning 86-84.

Carrying the momentum, Brunei easily defeated Myanmar 92-54 and then took a precious 87-76 win against Malaysia.
Soon Chin Long from the Brunei Basketball Association said: "We fought hard to grab the fifth place, our players did well despite the absence of many regular national team players."

Soon revealed that to raise the standard of basketball and to unearth more talented basketball players, the association might be hiring a new national basketball coach. Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Smart RP 5 trounces China
Deas, a 5-10 guard from Rockhurst University in Kansas who traces his roots in Cebu, and Barocca, a 5-9 native of Zamboanga City, combined for 37 points and made crucial baskets against their taller opponents to turn back the Chinese, who rallied from 15 points down in the second half.

It was the first international victory for the RP developmental squad, the core of which will banner the national team in the 2009 SEA Games in Laos, the 2010 Asian Games in China and 2011 FIBA Asia Men’s Championship Qualifier for the London Olympics.

Barocca scored six straight upoints in the waning seconds, including a breakway layup and two charities, as RP closed ot with a 6-2 run to shatter a 70-all count and repulse the hosts for the victory.

Deas, a 5-10 guard from Rockhurst University in Kansas who traces his roots in Cebu, and Barocca, a 5-9 native of Zamboanga City, combined for 37 points and made crucial baskets against their taller opponents to turn back the Chinese, who rallied from 15 points down in the second half.

It was the first international victory for the RP developmental squad, the core of which will banner the national team in the 2009 SEA Games in Laos, the 2010 Asian Games in China and 2011 FIBA Asia Men’s Championship Qualifier for the London Olympics.

Barocca scored six straight upoints in the waning seconds, including a breakway layup and two charities, as RP closed ot with a 6-2 run to shatter a 70-all count and repulse the hosts for the victory.

China, with an average height of 6-6, outrebounded the RP cagers 44-33 but the Filipinos made up for this with tenacious defense, limiting China to only two of 15 conversions from the three-point range and forcing 14 turnovers. The Filipinos also shot 48 percent from the perimeter and made 15 of 21 tries from the line.

Rajko Toroman, the Serbian coach and project director of the national team, who formed the young RP squad barely two-and-a-half weeks ago, expressed satisfaction with the win.

“It was a tough but definitely sweet victory. I challenged the boys to show their true character and they did. We did not expect to win right away so this is a very good start for our program,” Toroman said.

Playing before a partisan crowd and with its top local officials in attendance, China stormed to an early 6-0 lead. The RP squad, bankrolled by Smart and outfitted by Nike, countered with six straight points from Deas to tie the game early. Finding their bearings under chilly conditions, the Filipinos controlled the pace of the game to take a slim lead 18-14 after the opening quarter.

“It is hard to play before a hostile crowd and under these conditions. But this victory is truly special. After all, it’s not every day that you win against China in their own turf,” SBP executive director Noli Eala said.

“We are happy for the progress of this young team. But there is still a lot of work ahead,” Eala said.

After taking a 41-27 lead at the half, the Filipinos raced to their biggest lead at 50-35 behind a sleek running game coupled with a resolute defense. But China, represented in the tournament by the Li Ning basketball team of Guangxi featuring five CBA All Stars, fought back behind 6-10 center Gao Wei to trim the deficit at 43-50.

Deas, however, kept the pressure, scoring seven of his team-high 19 points as RP took a 58-47 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Gao and 6-4 point guard Nong Jie led a big 9-0 rally for the home team as the Chinese pulled within, 56-58, with 7:16 remaining in the contest. Deas took charge again and scattered six unanswered points but the Chinese fought back with an 11-4 run behind the sweet shooting Hu Bin to trim the lead to 67-68.

Dylan Ababou then came through with a shot-clock beating jumper to give RP a 70-67 lead, but Gao converted on a three point play off a foul by Fil Am Greg Slaughter with 1:03 remaining to tie the count at 70.

Barocca, playing in his first international tournament, then stepped up and scored on a crucial jumper as the Philippines took another 72-70 lead with 47 seconds to go. After a split charity by Hu on a foul by Mac Baracael, the Chinese had a final chance to take the lead after a flubbed offensive play by the Filipinos.

But Ogie Menor came through with a steal, setting up a fastbreak for Barocca, giving the Smart RP squad a 74-71 cushion with 32 seconds remaining. Gao then scored another split free throw in the last 15 seconds before Barocca was fouled for the final score.

Deas and Barocca led the team with 19 and 18 points, respectively, while Ababou tossed in 15 points and Slaughter had nine points, four shot blocks and four rebounds. Courtesy of PhilStar.com
Philippines win first China-ASEAN basketball invitational
NANNING, Southwest China, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine national team beat China's Guangxi team 76-72 in the first China-ASEAN CBO men's basketball invitational.

The team from Singapore finished third, defeating Macao SAR of China 82-74 in Pingguo county, Bose city, southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Sunday night.

Eight teams which also include Malaysia, Vietnam, Myanmar and Brunei participated in the CBO invitational held from December 17 to 21.
Editor: Jiang Yuxia. Courtesy of www.chinaview.cn

RP rips Macau, sets title duel with China
Monday, December 22, 2008

By Joey Villar
The Smart-backed Team Philippines overpowered Macau, 118-59, Saturday night to force an interesting championship showdown with powerhouse China in the first ASEAN CBO Men’s Invitational basketball tournament in Guangxi, China.

Bankrolled by Smart and backed by Nike, the Nationals, composed of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas developmental pool, showed no mercy in rolling to their fourth straight win against a Macau team that was obviously inexperienced.

“I am very happy that the team is quickly learning and adjusting to the system of international play which we are setting up,” said Serbian coach and SBP project director Rajko Toroman.

“We have only started playing competitive games with this new system this week and I really did not expect the boys to perform this well in our first tournament together. This is a very positive development,” he added.

The win set up the Filipinos against the host Chinese, who were far from being gracious in smothering the Singaporeans, 78-63, in their own crossover semifinal duel.

SBP executive director and delegation head Noli Eala said he was satisfied with the performance by the Nationals, who won their four games by a whopping average margin of 45 points.

“This was our best game so far under the system of coach Toroman. It is amazing how the boys are really sacrificing their own brand of play for the team concept being put in place,” said Eala. “While we are hoping for a championship, I am already sure we will come out of this tourney better and stronger as a team no matter what the outcome is tomorrow.”

So dominant were the Nationals that all 11 players fielded in by Toroman, tasked by SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan to handle the country’s Olympic program, scored at least four points.

Far Eastern University standout Mark Andy Barroca led the carnage with 16 points while Ogie Menor, San Beda’s 2007 NCAA Finals MVP, and Fil-Am Terrel Theopile fired 14 points apiece.

Santo Tomas hotshot Dylan Ababou drilled in 13 points while another Fil-Am Greg Slaughter and Mac Baracael added 12 each.

The team had 64-percent shooting from the field on 44-of-68 clip and 47 percent from behind the arc on eight-of-17.

The Filipinos also dominated nearly all departments – rebounds (38-23), assists (25-5) and steals (11-4) – while limiting their turnovers with just eight compared to Macau’s atrocious 23. Courtesy of PhilStar.com

RP five seals title duel with Chinese
GUANGXI, CHINA—Having adjusted to the chilly conditions here, the Smart-Pilipinas national team warmed up for its title showdown with host China by whipping Macau, 118-59, Saturday in the semifinals of the 1st China-Asean CBO Men’s Invitational basketball tournament at the Pinggou Arena.

China, represented by the Lin Ning team, repulsed a fighting Singapore crew, 78-63, in the other crossover semifinal matchup and will face the Philippines for the crown Sunday.

Composed of collegiate stars in the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas developmental pool and handled by Serbian coach Rajko Toroman, the RP team overpowered the inexperienced Macau squad for its fourth straight win.

“I am very happy the team is quickly learning and adjusting to the system of international play which we are setting up,” said Toroman.

“We have only started playing competitive games with this new system this week and I did not expect the boys to perform this well.”

After Macau nailed the first basket, Mark Barroca opened scoring for the RP team, which raced to a 26-15 after the first quarter.

The RP team, sponsored by Smart Communications and Nike, kept up the pressure and broke the game wide open at the half, 64-30.

SBP executive director Noli Eala, who heads the RP delegation, was elated with the performance of the team.

“It is amazing how the boys are sacrificing their own brand of play for the team concept being put in place,” he said.

Barroca topscored for the Filipinos with 16 points on top of five assists and three steals, Ogie Menor and Terrel Theophile had 14 points and seven rebounds each, Dylan Ababou added 13, Greg Slaughter had 12 points, 7 boards and 4 blocks, and Mac Baracael scored 12. Courtesy of Philippine Daily Inquirer

Slaughter topbills in semifinals run of Smart-Pilipinas national team
Saturday, December 20, 2008

FIL-AM center Gregg Slaughter helped the Smart-Pilipinas national team reach the semifinal round of the 1st China-Asean CBO Men’s Invitational Basketball Tournament unbeaten in in Pinggou, Guangxi in China.

Slaughter is Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc.’s (Cesafi) contribution to the team. The current tournament is Slaughter’s first international appearance.

Last Wednesday the Smart-Pilipinas NT, who is in Bracket B, defeated a hapless Vietnam quintet 108-62. The team then followed this with a 112-47 routing of an inexperienced Brunei squad.

Yesterday morning, the team scored a scary 75-64 victory over a taller and more experienced Singapore squad.

The 7-foot giant from the University of the Visayas Green Lancers figured prominently in all three victories. He topped the squad with 21 points and 11 rebounds in the victory over the Brunei squad mentored by former PBA player Bennet Palad.

Macau match

This morning, the national team will play against Macau in a crossover semifinal match.

Aside from Slaughter, Terrel Theopile, another Fil-Am player who will be seeing action with the Smart Pampanga Buddies in the Liga Pilipinas tournament, also made significant contributions, along with Mark Barocca, ex-FEU Tamarraw star Mark Baracael and Dylan Ababou.

Topping Group A is the local Chinese squad, who will be playing against Singapore in the semifinal round early today.

Aside from Slaughter, University of Cebu Webmasters center Junmar Fajardo is also included in the short list for the RP national pool.

But the 6-foot-9 athlete opted to play with other Cesafi stars in the 17th Super Kung Sheung Cup in Hong Kong. Courtesy of www.sunstar.com.ph

Smart-RP 5 gains semis in China tilt
Saturday, December 20, 2008

GUANGXI, China – Within a span of 14 hours, the Smart-Pilipinas national team beat Brunei and Singapore to advance to the semifinals of the first China-Asean CBO Men’s Invitational Basketball tournament here.

Bannered by 11 members of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas development pool under Serbian coach Rajko Toroman, the RP team routed Brunei, 112-47, Thursday night and then humbled Singapore, 75-64, Friday morning to barge into the crossover semis against Macau Saturday.

Counting its 108-62 win over Vietnam last Wednesday, the national team remained unscathed in Group B of the tourney, matching the 3-0 record of the Chinese team in Group A. The two teams are expected to clash in the title match Sunday, with the winner getting 50,000RNB.

In a text message to the team and Toroman, SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan called the twin victories “tough but well deserved” and expressed his congratulations to the young team.

“If you meet Macao in the semis and China in the finals, you just have to be extra vigilant and work extra hard,” Pangilinan said.

Although playing under extremely cold conditions, the RP 5 toyed with the much shorter and inexperienced Brunei team coached by former PBA player Bennet Palad.

With Fil-Ams Terrel Theophile and Greg Slaughter combining with Dylan Ababou, the RP team took a 33-12 lead in the first quarter and opened up a huge 71-35 lead in the third behind 17 unanswered points. The nationals also displayed tough defense, limiting the hapless Brunei squad to no more than 12 points in each quarter.

Slaughter led the scoring charge against Brunei with 21 points, while Theophile had 20 and Mark Barocca added 17. Slaughter and Theophile also had 11 boards apiece while Barocca had six assists.

The Singaporean team, much taller than the Brunei squad and definitely more experienced, put up a tougher fight but fell by the wayside just the same.

Represented by the runner-up team in the NBL Division 1 league, Singapore kept in step with the RP team with accurate three-point shooting and tenacious defense, even taking a 20-19 lead early in the second quarter. Courtesy of PhilStar.com

RP team vies in first China Asean caging

The SBP-Smart Pilipinas national team left yesterday for Guangxi, China to compete in the first China-Asean CBO men’s basketball invitational tournament.

The RP squad, composed of members of the national team developmental pool, will play against national teams from Singapore, Brunei, Macao, Myanmar, Malaysia and Vietnam.

The hosts will also field an all-star team in the event slated Dec. 17-21.

The tournament serves as part of SBP’s long-term program of giving the national team enough international exposure as it gears up for the SEA Games in Laos next year, the Asian Games in 2010 in Guangzhou, China and the FIBA Asia men’s championship qualifier in 2011.

The Pilipinas national team, sponsored by telecommunications giant Smart headed by SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan, is led by national team project director Rajko Toroman and SBP executive director Noli Eala.

The players going to China include 11 members of the 25-man training pool of the SBP. They are Joey Deas, Mark Barocca, Marcy Arellano, Martin Reyes, Ogie Menor, JR Cawaling, Mac Baracael, Dylan Ababou, Magi Sison, Terrel Theophile and Greg Slaughter. -- Courtesy of PhilStar.com

Brunei Cagers For China Date
By James Kon

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei Darussalam will take part in the 2008 China Asean CBO Male Basketball invitational games to be held in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous region, the People's Republic of China from Dec 16-22.
The Brunei cagers left for China yesterday without the services of Esmund Tan and Yap Chun Ping because of work commitment. Despite without the full national squad, coach and player Bennett Palad is confident of winning at least three games in the competition.

Speaking in an interview at the Brunei International Airport, Palad said: "Although without our regular players, we still could win three games. Our strength is bolstered by three Filipino players."

The national squad includes Soon Chin Long, Lim Chee Choun, Le Huat Beng, Koh Wee Chian, Kenny Lim Teck Wee. Goh Kok Ann, Rto Toledo Obledo,
Geve Leones Suminguit, Benjamin Norman Sim, Jonathan Lee Cheng Poh, Requintin Elvin Caasue and Alex Kwan Ming Heng.

Although the team has been together for only a few weeks, Palad said they are prepared to face any team. Among the teams participating in the tournament are powerhouse China, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar and Thailand. Teams that finished in the top six will receive cash prizes.

To bid good luck to the Brunei cagers at the airport yesterday was Hj Zamri bin Dato Paduka Hj Hamdani, the Senior Special Duties Officer of Youth and Sports Department and officials from the Brunei Basketball Association. Hj Zamri also presented the national flag to Soon Chin Long, a representative of the team. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

The Finals
Queenielin overpowered Menglait Wildcats on a fine performance by Ronnel Sugnan providing the key baskets that kept the Wildcats rally in control. Queenielin is the 2008 Streetballbrunei Champions.

The Finals between Queenielin Enterprise vs Menglait Wildcats was a classic match of two teams with two different approach in the game of basketball. The slow-paced style of Wildcats contradicts with the up-tempo game of the Tailor Masters. Wildcats stayed close until they collapsed in the remaining minutes. Wildcats should switch and stick to a Zone Defense throughout the game since players like Leones and Requentin tend to drive more often to the hoop than anybody else but apparently they stayed with man-to-man until the fatigue-factor crippled them.

December 8, 2008
Streetballbrunei also awarded the 2008 Streetballbrunei Idol to Allan Telanay based on unanimous votes from spectators. It was really a lucky night for Allan as his name was picked up for another major prize for a lucky throw. Allan brought home two(2) major home appliances. Congratulations to Allan as 2008 Streetballbrunei Idol!

Awardees:
2008 Streetballbrunei Idol:
Allan Telanay
2008 Streetballbrunei Mythical 5 Rookies:
Ronnel Sugnan, Rommel Valmores, Hansel Enopia, Kris Serrano and Gilbert Carranza.
2008 Streetballbrunei Coach of the Year:
Gerald Gravador

Once again, Streetballbrunei is giving Thanks to all the participating teams , players, volunteer committee and volunteer officials. All your efforts are appreciated because you made the 2008 Streetballbrunei Friendly Games a success. Thank you. (courtesy of streetballbrunei)

December 7, 2008

The Finals between Queenielin Enterprise vs Menglait Wildcats was a classic match of two teams with two different approach in the game of basketball. The slow-paced style of Wildcats contradicts with the up-tempo game of the Tailor Masters. Wildcats stayed close until they collapsed in the remaining minutes. Wildcats should switch and stick to a Zone Defense throughout the game since players like Leones and Requentin tend to drive more often to the hoop than anybody else but apparently they stayed with man-to-man until the fatigue-factor crippled them.

2008 Streeball champions - Queenielin Enterprise

1st runner up - Menglait Wildcats.

"Basketball is Brotherhood"

Rollin tries to beat the buzzer while Leones attempts to block.

Official Referees

Our fellow Indonesian friends enjoying the game.

December 6, 2008
The Finals
Queenielin Enterprise versus Menglait Wildcats

Results of Final Four
Wildcats had its regular mainstays Rollin Castillo, Mike Perez, Allan Telanay and Wilmar Canapi contributing double figures to end the Dalgers’ winning streak from fine performances by Rowell Barrio, Paul Ponio and Kris Serrano with a score of 62-55.
Queenielin had a tough time with Gadong Sparks in the early quarters but overcame the threat through a pressure defense that saw them pulled away in the final quarter at a score of 80-66. (courtesy of streetballbrunei)

Jun Ybanez, Popoy, Johari and Archie "The Tank" Perez

Leones driving strong to the basket.

He can really fly!

No Fly Zone for Jeff Ojena.

"traffic"

Jake's latest craze, spider fighting (a.k.a. sabong kaka!)

spectators enjoying the game

ala Jordan and Pippen shot, Dalgers has all the tools to close out the game against the fierce of Wildcats except they don't know which tool was that.

Rollin getting a screen from Nes

Schedules!
Friday (5/12/08) - Final Four
Dalgers vs Wildcats
Queenielin vs Gadong Sparks

Saturday (6/12/08) - The Finals
Selection of Streetball Idol and Lucky Draw for all Streetball Players and Spectators
Championship (Winner vs Winner from Semifinals)

NEWS!!!
Hi All, The new web address or URL is now accessible at www.bruneibasketball.com, the old blog address (http://bruneibasketball.blogspot.com) is still available but the new URL is more convenient for everyone. I would like to thank to all the sponsors who bought the domain name for us. Sponsors opt not to be publicly listed. Please update your bookmarks accordingly.

November 29, 2008
Queenielin beats Edli, 67-64 and Collin’s Team beats Sunday Club, 65-62 (courtesy of streetballbrunei)

Richard "Mighty Mouse" Villasotto in action

Alvin Requentin

November 28, 2008
Dalgers had a stirring victory with all the players providing more energy than their opponents. The score finished at 65-55. The spitfirish Hansel Enopia sat most of the 4th Quarter in what seemed to be a risky gamble for Ford / BMW as they lose the chance to match up the speed of the Dalgers.

"Thank you for flying with us, join us again next time", Hansel Unapia may redeem his air miles coupon anytime soon.

Only few of them understands the "pick and rolls"

Larry and Ponio

In the 2nd game, Menglait Wildcats played their cards to avoid Queenilin in the semi-final match up as they trounced Gadong Sparks handily. (courtesy of streetballbrunei)

Mike "The Bomb" Perez

Jeff "EagleMan" Ojena

Please advise on the final score of the second game.

November 22, 2008
Queenielin and Gadong Sparks join early qualifier Wildcats in a crossover semifinals. Ford / BMW started well early in the game but queenielin took over in the final minutes until Palma of Ford /BMW forced an overtime after sinking his final two penalty shots in the regular period. It was a pulsating game all the way but Queenielin prevails with a final score at 81-79.

"Offense sells tickets, Defense wins championships"

loose ball, no foul ref?

The Tailor Masters won in O.T. despite of GV's off-night performance.

A gamble on defense, Requintin is tripple-teamed most of the time while Hansel Unapia is going for the steal.

Ronnel Sugnan maintain his composure through out the game, driving strong to the basket

Gadong Sparks beat Sunday Club with a score of 70-63 but not an easy one as thought in the first quarter. Steady shooting of Noel Camacho, with Jeff paraiso and Noel Grafil upstaged a rally to come close within 2 points. Jeffrey Ojena and Andersson Yu recovered their early leads in the final minutes. (courtesy of streetballbrunei)

Jeff Paraiso a 30% free throw shooter(photo by streetballbrunei)

November 21, 2008
The return of Paul Ponio aided by the streaky 3-point shooting of Rowell Barrio and JC Umandap’s allaround hustle puts Dalgers in the win column beating Edli 69-52. Edli badly needed a legitimate Center who narrowly missed Sherwin Antonio’s services when the latter decided to play for Ford / BMW in the last minute.

Post game interview with Coach G of Dalgers.

Wildcats still stay unbeaten in Group B toying around with Rizqun but got a scare in the final minutes after a good run by the deadly trio of Bay, Ardin and Richard. The final score is 59-53. (courtesy of streetballbrunei)

November 15, 2008
Ford / BMW edged out EDLI in the first game at 68-65 in a fast moving game that saw lead changes in many occasions. Bay Francisco missed the opportunity to tie the game for a possible overtime on penalty shots with 9 seconds remaining at 66-64 after getting a foul from Sherwin Antonio sinking EDLI’s last point at 66-65.

A slight commotion ensued earlier from an unbalanced undergoal shot by Sonny Bautista who accidentally dropped his arm behind Pilo Fortuna’s back who was tightly guarding another Ford / BMW player. In a defensive reaction, Fortuna thought someone had smacked him from the back and instinctively reacted in a defensive stance causing the commotion. Sonny Bautista is known to be a soft spoken cool player and is not likely to cause hurt to anyone.

In the second game, Gadong Sparks beat Collin’s Team 70-60. Collin’s Team tried to close the gap on the heroics of Villasotto and Bay but Gadong Sparks managed to recover the lead in the final quarter.

Watch out for more exciting matches this coming Friday and Saturday.
(courtesy of streetballbrunei)

November 14, 2008
Opening tip-off last 14th of November at Batu Bersurat Sports Complex in Gadong.
Games are every Fridays and Saturdays, 9pm to 11pm

Format :
1. FIBA Rules but reduced playing time. first (3) periods at 6 Mins. per period and final period at 10 Mins.
2. Each Team allowed only a maximum of total Five(5) Stars per team based on player category.
3. 2 way Tie- win over the other, 3 way tie- Ratio of own Score divided by opponent Score among tied teams. Highest Ratio wins. (courtesy of streetballbrunei)