PinoyExchange UAAP Features

[pex_uaap_journo]

Gone Fishing
By: Ivan Angelo L. de Lara

UAAP Season 74 saw eight competitive teams. But in a league that only has four spots for semifinalists, and a summit for only one champion to conquer, four squads are left to go fishing as soon as the eliminations have ended.

The coaches and the players of these squads share their thoughts on their season, and what their supporters can expect from them next year.

8. University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons: Promising start, miserable finish (2-12 for last place)

After another winless season last year, the UP Fighting Maroons immediately improved their slate by winning their opening game against the University of the East Red Warriors. They followed this up by slaying title contenders Far Eastern University Tamaraws.

Newly-installed Coach Ricky Dandan seems to have put the fight back to the Maroons who have lost their spunk from all the heartbreaks they have experienced. He also said that his unit is a tightly-knit group that likes playing with each other. Expectations for a Final Four appearance, however, have slowly but surely diminished come the 2nd Round as the team failed to win a single game in this part of the competition.

“The teams knew how to defend us already,” Dandan told PinoyExchange.com. “We got worn down because we had no other threats specifically in the front line, so teams had the strategy of forcing us to shoot jump shots.”

Coach Dandan, however, is more upbeat with his team’s chances next season. Only Miggy Maniego is leaving the team to graduation, while the core of Mike Gamboa, Jett Manuel, Alinko Mbah, and Mike Silungan will stay. The team, however, needs a more formidable inside presence that will take the load off the impressive, but inconsistent perimeter shooters.

“Of course we will be better, most definitely,” Dandan said. “There’ll be changes in the lineup. We hope to be better.”

7. University of the East Red Warriors: No quitters (3-11 for seventh place)

The UE Red Warriors were so emotional when they got their first win of the season by subduing the National University Bulldogs in the first round. But their season did not end there. Dismissed by many basketball pundits to inherit the 0-14 record from the Maroons, the Warriors continued to work hard to earn the respect of the league.

They would get blown out in one game, and then bounce back the next. The Warriors showed the league that they may not have the superstars, but they never lacked heart.

“We may be small, but we always fight,” Coach Jerry Codiñera said. “We try to make ways on how to be competitive along the way, along the game. We don’t just give up.”

The Warriors still need a lot of work to do if they want to get back to the promised land they were so used to being in the past few years. Codiñera and his wards continue the process as they look forward to joining off-season tournaments.

“We will rest muna. Tapos recruitment, and train during the off season,” Codiñera said. “We need to assess and evaluate the players’ performance.”

UE will sorely miss the leadership of Paul Zamar and Lucas Tagarda, and the hustle of Biboy Enguio next year. But it can expect a lot from versatile vets JM Noble and Adrian Santos, and exuberant neophytes Roi Sumang, Chris Javier, and BJ Soza.

6. De La Salle University Green Archers: Heartbreak kids of the season (5-9 for sixth place)

Celebrating the 100th year foundation of the university was enough reason for the Archers to want to win the championship. And on paper, the Archers seem to have what it takes to do so.

The Archers, however, skidded early, losing back-to-back in their first two games. If that was not disappointing enough, they were even more hard-luck in the second round, where they only registered one win in their seven games.

Comebacking guard LA Revilla assessed the team’s failure as not a consequence lack of talent—because it obviously has a lot—but to the failure of some players to accomplish their roles.

“In my own opinion, there were times that the players in the team had lack of maturity,” Revilla said. “We had some issues with playing together, and sticking together. Probably, there were roles that some of us were not able to play.”

This is the second time La Salle—undoubtedly the most formidable team from the late 90’s to the early 2000’s—has missed the semis bus in the last three years. This has pushed angry fans to call for changes in the team, particularly the coaching staff. Aside from a heartbreak season, the Archers are taking uncertainty with them to the off-season.

“It’s gonna be a long off-season for us,” Revilla said. “So far, we just need a break, then figure out things once we return to the court.”

Expect the likes of Arnold Van Opstal, Norbert Torres, Oda Tampus, Luigi dela Paz, and Revilla to become stronger and wiser next season.

5. National University Bulldogs: Outside looking in (6-8 for fifth place)

Just like La Salle, the NU Bulldogs were not short of talent. They have an imposing import in Emmanuel Mbe, a crew of high school superstars and marquee transferees from their mother leagues, and they have the young superstar in Bobby Ray Parks Jr. But as the season progressed, only Parks proved to play to his billing. The others were either inconsistent or just undependable. This season alone proved that Parks can win some games by himself, but he could not take the whole team to the Final Four just by his lonesome.

“I’d rather win a championship any day than the MVP,” said Parks, one of the league’s leading MVP candidates. “MVP is about one man, the championship speaks for the whole team.”

The Bulldogs may have had a forgettable mid-season, but they sure went out with a bang. Already out of contention, they played without pressure and played tremendously well.

Coach Erik Altamirano, however, said his team will take it relatively easy this off-season, just so he could instill the hunger to his boys. For the meantime, he will monitor one aspect of a student-athlete’s life some take for granted—that of being a student.

“I might give them some time to be hungry again,” Altamirano said. “I don’t know yet if we’re gonna join other leagues.”

“I want them to focus on their studies. I’m monitoring their studies,” Altamirano added. “I wanna know if they’re passisng. We’re trying to emphasize now education, not just basketball.”

Parks was obviously stellar this season. Gelo Alolino, Emmanuel Mbe, Jeff Javillonar, and Jul-ashri Ignacio had flashes of brilliance. Watch out for them next season.

[pex_uaap_journo]

Chasing Glory: PEX's CDC Primer Part 1
By: Ivan Angelo L. de Lara

It is that time of the year when basketball players take the back seat, and the cheerleaders take the center court. Undoubtedly, the Cheerdance Competition is one of the most anticipated UAAP events not just by the students of the member schools, but also of other universities and casual fans.

In the first part of PinoyExchange.com’s CDC primer, the captains and coaches of the teams that failed to make the top three last year discuss their team’s composition, chances, and strengths.

8. ADAMSON UNIVERSITY PEP SQUAD: Re-energized


(photo courtesy of Karlo Lazaro)

After a forgettable performance at the 2010 CDC, the Adamson University Pep Squad vows to give a good fight this season. Undoubtedly one of the most fearless teams in the UAAP, the AdU Pep Squad has acquired the services of renowned CCP Bobcats coach Arnold Villanueva to choreograph the team. It has also placed third in this year’s Fil-Oil competition. This team from San Marcelino is definitely re-energized. Team captain Karlo Lazaro talked to PEX about his team's desire to bring back its fighting form.

1. Team composition: How many among the competing members are rookies and vets? How do you think this will affect your chances this year? Will this be an advantage or disadvantage?

We have 15 veterans and 10 rookies. Malaking bagay na maraming rookie sa amin, pero karamihan sa kanila nakapag fil-oil na pero first time mag uaap cdc. Syempre advantage dahil magagaling yung mga bago namen.

2. Without revealing your routine, what can we expect from the Adamson Pep Squad this season?

The AdU Pep Squad will back, definitely! Ibabalik namen yung competitiveness namen like nung mga 2008,2006,2005. Lalaban kame ngayon.

3. How long have you been training for your routine?

Summer palang nag sisimula na kame at nag aaral na kame ng mga skills na ipapakita namen sa routine.

4. You did pretty well in the Filoil Cheerleading competition. Do you think this will carry on up to the CDC?

Opo. ‘Yung experince nung Fil-Oil iba talaga, nahasa kame dun ng sobra. Tska marami kasi kameng nagawa nung Fil-Oil na hindi namen karaniwang ginagawa before, so yung natutunan namen habang ginagawa yung Fil-Oil routine ay dala namen sa pag-sabak sa cdc ngayong taon.

5. What are your team's strengths? What do you think do you still need to work on?

Alam na ng mga tao yan. Alam nila saan kame mahina at malakas. This season, lahat ng weaknesses namen winork out namen at lalo pa namen pinalakas yung mga strength namen.

6. What is your predicted finish for your squad this season?

We aim nothing but to be on the top.

7. Aside from the competition, what else do you look forward to during the CDC?

Syempre yung mga supporters at mga Adamsonians na palaging andyan para sa amin, kasi pag sumasayaw ka na sa gitna ng Araneta iba yung pakiramdam, na lahat ng gagawin mo para sa school mo, kasi hindi naman pangalan mo ang hawak mo eh, kundi pangalan ng school mo. At yung feeling na itotodo mo lahat para sa paghihirap ng buong team sa nakaraang mga trainings niyo. Yung routine namen yun ang pangarap namen na mapakita kung ano ang kaya namen.

8. What is your message to your fans?

We always believe that walang kwenta ang trophies, ang mahalaga mapasaya namen yung mga sumusuporta sa amin at naniniwala sa amin. This coming UAAP CDC, we promise to captivate you hearts again. "Win hearts over Trophies".

*****

7. UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST PEP SQUAD: Searching for identity


(photo courtesy of Coach Lovelyn Yee)

The UE Pep Squad came up with a Warrior theme last year, but this hardly translated to something champion-worthy in the eyes of the judges. The squad peppered the routine with high-flying tosses, but some of its pyramids in the end did not exactly succeed. Recently, the street dance group of the university has been gaining more recognition than its pep squad. Coach Lovelyn Yee talks to PEx how her crew of high flyers can pump up the school spirit among the students in this year’s CDC.

1. Team composition: How many of the competing members are rookies and veterans? How do you think this will affect your performance? Will it be an advantage or a disadvantage?

60% of all our cheerleaders are rookies, hopefully the training and discipline in our practices will motivate them to do good in the competition. It is an advantage to have more rookies because they are teachable and willing to learn.

2. Without revealing your routine, what can we expect from the UE Pep Squad this year?

Expect more difficult stunts and pyramids. Definitely, you cannot count out the UE pep squad in this year’s competition.

3. It has been a long time since the Squad broke into the top 3, are we going to witness a more competitive Squad this season?

A resounding YES

4. Which team do you predict to be in the top 3? Which teams do you WANT to get in the top 3?

It has always been the same schools predicted to be on top, but this year, clichés are to be broken. As I have said, you can’t count any school out.

5. How much will winning the Cheerdance Competition mean to the UE community, especially now that the basketball team is not doing as well as it used to?

This year, we are more dedicated and united than before. Basketball is a different sport than Cheering. Although it is sad that our basketball team is not doing that well, we are still keen in our objective in placing well this year.

6. What makes your squad stand out from the other CDC teams?

We are young, dedicated, and hungrier than any other team in the competition.

7. What is your message to your supporters?

Win or lose, the UE community should remain solid and supportive of all the sports we are competing in. That goes the same with this year’s Cheering competition. Let’s go all out for our Alma Mater. Go UE! Fight for Victory!

*****

6. NATIONAL UNIVERSITY PEP SQUAD: Dog days are over

Last year, the NU Pep Squad used a superhero theme and showed impressive tosses in its performance. Just what more surprises will this team bring in to the table this year? For one, the team has acquired the services of Gherica Bernabe and two other alumni of the Far Eastern University Cheering Squad to coach the team. During half time, the members of the squad displayed tremendous gymnastic skills. People can expect that just like the entire NU Sports Program, this squad will show a lot of improvement. Gherica talked to PEx about the strengths of the team, and what the dancers still need to work on.

1. Team composition: How many of the competing members are rookies or vets? How do you think this will affect your chances in the competition? Will this be an advantage or disadvantage?

We have 13 new members. It’s more than half of the team. This would be an advantage because many of them are gymnasts. We just have to train them in other aspects of being a cheerleader, like lifting and tossing.

2. Without revealing your routine, what can we expect from the NU Pep Squad?

It is a very unique routine. I could say that every part of it, is authentic.

3. What are your group's strengths? What do you think do you still need to work on?

We don’t have problem with their tumbling and tosses. We’re just having trouble in pyramids and partner stunts because of the hard transitions.

4. There is a renewed excitement in the NU Sports Program. How does this affect you? Does it pressure you to be in this year's top 3?

No, we’re not expecting We’re just praying to be on top 3.you will never know.

5.. Does your team have any good luck charm or rituals?

We always pray. That’s all.

6. What is your message to your supporters?

Keep on supporting our team, it's a big help. Hope to see you in Araneta!

*****

5. DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY ANIMO SQUAD: Centennial Pride

Gone are the days when La Salle’s pep squad was more known because of its prop spelling booboo. These days, the Animo Squad is recognized for its impressive tumbling skills. The girls are impeccable gymnasts, while the boys are strong lifters. Last summer, the squad won the top plum at the Fil-Oil Cheering Competition. It, however, still needs to work on dance techniques. Also working for this centennial team is it now has UPHSD Perp Squad Coach Rhufa del Rosario to guide the members. Team captain Paolo Lucero talked to PEx about his team’s confidence.

1. Without revealing your routine, what can we expect from the Animo Squad this CDC?

People can expect an action-packed routine from the Animo Squad this CDC. We're going real GREEN for our centennial year!

2. You did well in the Flying V competition, do you think this will carry on to your CDC performance?

Yes, we do! The Flying V Competition has inspired everyone in the squad to do great for our UAAP CDC performance.

3. What is your predicted finish for your group? Do you think you have what it takes to finally break in to the top 3?

This year, we really have what it takes.

4. What is your message to your supporters?

We'll make you proud of us!

*****

4. ATENEO BLUE BABBLE BATTALION: Darkhorse

Two seasons ago, the BBB accomplished what four other universities have failed to do for several years—crack the top 3 dominated by the same three squads over and over. Last year, however, with a giant “Twitter” bird and all, the BBB fell short of replicating that feat, landing only the fourth spot. The team is undoubtedly a force to reckon with when it comes to their tosses and partner stunts. But unlike the Ateneo basketball team, the squad does not exactly generate a lot of support from the students and the alumni of the school on the day of the event. The members’ dance skills also need some fine tuning. Unfortunately, none of the BBB members responded to PEx’s questions.

*****

Watch out for the Part 2 of this feature where a coach and two captains of last year’s top three teams share their thoughts to PEx on their chances in this season’s competition. They also give out their messages to their supporters.

[PEx_UAAP]

The Most Spirited Spirit Fingers: PEx’s CDC Primer Part 2
Photos and Text by: Ivan Angelo L. de Lara




(These photos taken during Thursday night show workers at the Araneta Coliseum preparing for the Cheerdance Competition. On Saturday, this empty venue is expected to be packed to the rafters as supporters of the eight competing cheer teams back their favorite groups.)

Since the inception of the UAAP Cheerdance Competition in 1994, the University of Santo Tomas, the University of the Philippines, and the Far Eastern University have been the only three schools successful to conquer the yearly battle of dance flair and gymnastic skills. The squads from the three universities do not look like they are ready to relinquish their lofty place in the CDC annals. Their fans are also the most rabid, posting relentlessly and trolling the PEx threads to show their supports for their favorite teams. They are also the ones that fill up the Araneta Coliseum to back the Salinggawi Dance Troupe, the UP Pep Squad, and the FEU Cheering Squad in their performances.

This year, expect the three teams to once again go all out just to prove that they reign supreme. After all, their rivalry and polarizing performances are the stuff many cyber wars have been made of. But before they step into a coliseum full or cheering supporters and closet fans, the three teams talked to PEx on what people can expect from their groups tomorrow, Saturday.

3. UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS SALINGGAWI DANCE TROUPE: Going for another golden reign

Eight titles, four years of championship drought, 400 years of the school’s foundation—these numbers, and a thousand more fans, will fuel the campaign of the SDT this year. The winningest squad in CDC history, the SDT is raring to bring the crown back to España after four futile attempts including one that landed them out of the top three for the first time two seasons back. Last year, SDT performed a white tiger-themed routine highlighted by impressive tosses and an even stronger dance choreography. Its pyramids, however, may still lack the difficulty compared to those displayed by its fiercest rivals. Adams Aaron Bernabe, president of the SDT, talks to PEx on how UST’s quadricentennial celebration inspires them to do better this year.

1. Team composition: How many in the Dance Troupe are neophytes, and how many are vets? Will this be an advantage or disadvantage to the team’s performance?

Among the 25 dancers, 11 of them are first timers to join the UAAP Cheerdance Competition. I am not considering it as a disadvantage to our team. We took it as challenge for us veterans to teach the new ones to perform like a veteran in the competition.

2. How does UST’s Quadricentennial celebration inspire or pressure you in your performance?

Every year, the pressure is there with the history of championships in the cheerdance competition won by the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe. But then, I can say that the pressure is higher this year. Everybody is expecting us to win again because this year is historic for us, for we are celebrating the Quadricentenial anniversary of the University. In line with this, we are just focusing in improving our routine. We are hoping for a safe, clean and well-done execution this year.

3. Do you have any rituals prior to performing? If yes, what are these?

Praying

4. What is your message to your fans?

To all the fans, especially to the Salinggawi Fans Troupe, maraming salamat po for believing in us and for always being there for us win or lose.

*****

2. FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY CHEERING SQUAD: Pushing the envelope

Composed of members of the National Gymnastics Team, the FEU Cheering Squad has raised the difficulty level of the CDC. Year in and year out, this team is never the shy one to display their expertise in tumbling passes and tosses. After getting a taste of the championship two seasons ago, the FEUCS went all out—and even brought a replica of the school’s main edifice—only to land the second place. The team is already filled with talent, but what makes them even more dangerous now is that it has the drive and the hunger to get the title back. Team captain Ven-mar Cudog revealed to PEx which other team’s performance they are looking forward to seeing.

1. How long have you been training for your routine?

We started last April.

2. Without revealing your routine, what can we expect from the FEU Cheering Squad this year?

Expect something new. We will showcase a choreography that FEUCS has never done before. This year's routine would surely best out our greatest rivals and would bring the crown back to Morayta.

3. Aside from your squad's, which team(s)'s performance are you looking forward to watching?

We would watch out for all of the performances, but I think we are more interested in watching NU Pep Squad's performance for the reason that their new coaches are alumni of FEUCS.

4. Is your group superstitious? Do you do things for "good luck"?

I think we're not. What we do in order for us to have a productive and safe practice everyday is that we always pray.

5. What makes your squad stand out from the rest of the UAAP? What do you think do you still need to work on?

For the past years that FEUCS has been on the top 3, I think we have already proven that we are one of the best squads in the UAAP. We always put up a good show because we do not perform only with extraordinary skills but with the love for our school and the passion that we have as dancers. I think we are most known for our gymnastics skills, flexibility, and level of difficulty It is the dance technique that we should improve more.

6. What is your message to your fans?

Thank you for always believing in us. We will not fail you this coming UAAP CDC. With all your support and with our well-planned and conceptualized routine, the number one spot will be ours again!

*****

1. UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES PEP SQUAD: Striking a pose and the competitors

After losing a three-peat bid two seasons ago, the UP Pep Squad got back the crown last year, thanks to its Fiesta theme. This year, the squad, which has won six titles already, promises to dish out another fun routine which is purportedly inspired by famous pop stars. Expect the team to exploit their strengths—pyramids and the creativity to transform simple objects into effective props. Also working for the team is that it has 20 veterans and only five rookies, which means that most of the members are already used to the atmosphere of the competition. The members have colored their hair platinum blonde, but nothing is brighter about them than their talent. Among other issues, Coach Lalaine Pereña reacts to the running joke about the interrelation between the Pep Squad and the Men’s Basketball Team.

1. How long have you been training for the routine?

We started training for this year's competition since summer of 2011.


2. Without revealing your routine, what can we expect from the UP Pep Squad this CDC?

We're hoping that you'll see a lot of fun and excitement, great stunts and wonderful dance choreographies. Our routine this year is very difficult but we'll try our very best to show it flawlessly with so much grace and ease.


3. What does the Pep Squad have that sets it apart from the other groups?

I think each team has its own identity. Ang hirap naman i-claim na iba kami sa kanila kasi talaga namang lahat e may pagkaka-iba. Each team is unique. I think it's the people who have been watching the competitions who feel that we have "something" that sets us apart from the other teams, and for that natutuwa nalang kami na may nakikita silang ganun.

4. Do you think you will be able to go back-to-back this year?

More than anything else, I always want my team to compete as "a team", not just to win but to be able to walk out of Araneta with pride that they were able to perform as one team. Of course that is our goal, to defend our title, but with the right perspectives so we can truly say we are true winners.

5. Which team(s) do you consider a threat to the crown this year? Why?

All teams have improved a lot! I do not consider them as threats but a challenge for us to do even better, work harder, and aim for perfection.

6. Are you superstitious? There's a running joke that the Pep Squad wins if the basketball team is on a winless season. What can you say about this especially now that the basketball team is doing relatively well than its performances during the past few seasons?

No. I feel it's so unfair for us and for them that we are always being tagged in their shadow. Wala namang relasyon ang paglalaro nila sa pagsasayaw namin, no connection whatsoever. It's really strange how sometimes low some people think.

7. What is your message to your supporters?

To all our supporters, our heartfelt gratitude for believing in us, no matter what. I am even more touched that even during the years of our defeat, you continuously defend us. Kayo ang tunay naming mga kaibigan. Please continue to pray for our team, especially for the members' safety. God bless you all!

*****
Will the UP Pep Squad be able to retain the crown? Or will we see another squad atop the podium? Will a new school crack the top 3? These questions will be answered tomorrow in the UAAP Season 74 Cheerdance Competition at 3 PM.

[pex_uaap_journo]

The Value of Bobby Ray
By: Ivan Angelo L. de Lara

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpV3n3ZzVAs
Video: BRP JR thanks his fans.

The National University Bulldogs, despite being out of Final Four contention, were already winning against the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers. But Bobby Ray Parks Jr. was not done hustling yet. He chased a wayward pass from a teammate, bounced the ball off the baseline, and the ball went it. The shot—just like his season—was magical.

Parks, 18, almost failed to play this season as some sectors questioned his eligibility. He studied in St. George High School in Tennessee, but already served a year of residency in NU. This glitch, however, never got to him, showing the focus that he already has in his youth.

“I really did not pay attention about the eligibility issue,” said Parks, a second year Information Technology student. “I just wanted to prepare for the season.”

A couple of months since he got the green light to play, Parks was torching the competition. As the season wore on, he shaped up to become the league’s scoring champion. He holds the record for the highest individual scoring outputs this year at an average of 20 ppg. He also amassed 91 rebounds, 40 assists, 15 steals, and 15 blocks to get a total of 66.64 statistical points.

With this, he is named as this league’s Most Valuable Player.

Championship after the MVP

“It (MVP award) is a privilege and an honor,” Parks told PinoyExchange.com. “I am grateful for it. It is comforting that I have it under my belt so I can just concentrate on winning the championship for NU.”

Despite his dominating performance particularly in the scoring department, many people questioned his selection as the top UAAP player. How can a player from a losing team get the title?

There were times when he would score a lot, but the Bulldogs would still lose the game. There were also times when he would score a lot only on garbage time, when the opposing squad has already had the game in the bag.

“Critics will be critics,” Parks said. “I just do not pay attention to them. The stats already speak for itself.”

Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles’ Tower of Power, Greg Slaughter got 195 bonus points for belonging to the top team at the end of the eliminations. But that was not enough to offset the huge statistical lead of Parks, who only got 90 bonus points for playing for the fifth-seeded Bulldogs.

NU Coach Erik Altamirano has nothing but good words for his celebrated player. He admires that Parks does not just bring the points to the team, but also other intangible aspects such as his leadership, dedication, and hustle.

“Bobby Ray has proven himself,” Altamirano said. “What I like about him is his leadership. He does not just provide the scoring for us, but he also gives the intangibles. He dives for loose balls, he defends the best players. I wish we have another Bobby Ray in our team.”

His father’s son

Bobby Ray Parks Sr., the former seven-time PBA Best Import, could not be any prouder of his son.

“I am very proud of him since day 1,” the older Parks told PinoyExchange.com. “This season, we have not even seen half the player he is.”

“He is more of a point guard,” Parks Sr. added. “He can pass. He has a complete game. He plays defense. He hustles. He does it all.”

He says that he and his son bond by watching the games and learning how he can get better as a player.

The older Parks also says that at home, his son is very jovial.

“Some people say that he is shy, but at home, he is very funny,” said the older Parks who has three other children—Quincy, Celine, and Mark. “He likes to joke around, and he talks a lot more when he is at home.”

He has already etched a mark on the league just in his first year, but Parks and Altamirano do not see the MVP to rest on his laurels just yet.

“He needs to work on his upper body strength,” Altamirano said. “There’s a lot of physicality in the game. He gets banged up a lot. So he really needs to bulk up his upper body strength.”

“When I step on that court, I will just work on becoming a better player,” Parks said. “People pay to watch you, and if you give your all, people will respect that.”

The freshman-MVP still has four more playing years. People can only imagine how many magical shots or magical seasons he has yet to show in that span of time.

[theeng69]

I thought the article would be discussing about the "true value" of Bobby Ray Parks...

I really question Altamirano's coaching. How can he say that Parks is a true leader when he actually messes up the NU chemistry when he's on the floor? And why would he still play BRP when they lead or trail by 20 points with the clock almost down to zero?

[huntfan]

Hinsight is 20/20 so sagutin natin ang tanong ni PEx UAAP administrator. lol.

Will the UP Pep Squad be able to retain the crown? --> Big YES.
Or will we see another squad atop the podium? --> Big NO.
Will a new school crack the top 3? --> YES. DLSU.

[JudyVans]

The value of Ray Parks? Parks is the reason why NU is back in the map again. This 18 year old leader/MVP leads his fellow 9 rookies in his team night in and night out. He was the reason why NU was able to stand shoulder to shoulder against veteran and talent laden teams like FEU, Adamson, and UST despite a team of role players and mostly rookies.

I'm looking forward for him to improve his upper body strength like what coach eric stated. His 6'8 wingspan, athleticism and an improved upper body would make him an unstoppable force in the upcomming seasons in his young career in the UAAP.

[MID3NN]

The Future Of Philippine Basketball. No Doubt

[Jiggyboy]

Ewan ko, but I think it would serve him well if he spoke Tagalog rather than English when meeting the press. I think he speaks the mother tongue rather well (maybe with a slight wersh-wersh here and there) so he should put it into good use. Somehow, in the back of our heads, we tend to shoehorn junior as a foreigner rather than one of us. Speaking in Tagalog would help convert the doubters into true believers. It's all perception - I think this is why the pinoy masa holds Alex Compton dear to their hearts.

[fotolocco]

Hinsight is 20/20 so sagutin natin ang tanong ni PEx UAAP administrator. lol.

Will the UP Pep Squad be able to retain the crown? --> Big YES.
Or will we see another squad atop the podium? --> Big NO.
Will a new school crack the top 3? --> YES. DLSU.

good job on your observation auntie...

[Knorkasthur]

The Future Of Philippine Basketball. No Doubt

for sure!!!

[jayvee1323]

calling the attention of the moderators

[gooseberry]

LOL. It is apparent that they are not keen on what is being posted here.

[CaRaMBa]

jayvee1323 - Thank you for the message! In case you encounter something again next time, please do contact us via the form or through PM.

gooseberry - Must say, such a negative presence, in whatever forum I see you in. Sigh, wish more PExers can be more supportive, but I guess that's asking for too much.