Michael Jordan, Simply the Greatest!

This coming September 11, 2009, Michael Jeffrey Jordan will be enshrined in the Hall of Fame in Springfield Massachusetts together with fellow stars David Robinson and John Stockton. The honour is the ultimate recognition for somebody who revolutionizes the game of basketball and for somebody who collared every individual award any other player dreamed of having.

Michael Jordan was simply the greatest player who ever handle a basketball. Aside from his hardcourt exploits, his marketing value is indisputable. He sold millions of burgers for McDonalds and put Nike on map. His numerous endorsements coupled with a movie, thanks Bugs Bunny, only elevates his status as the most sought athlete of his generation.

Though I love watching Magic Johnson orchestrate Lakers’ showtime style of game, Jordan made me love the game more because of his innate talent and his passion to win. Rarely seen a scoring machine while playing hard nose defense will relatively ease. Another good thing about MJ is that he made his teammates look good, something that most NBA stars failed to do. Although he had some rough times with his teammates like Kukoc, Cartwright etc., it’s just part of his competitive nature to make others play with the same level as he is.

Jordan is also a good copy for sportswriters. He made headlines and was throwing one-liners that mesmerizes other people. When he decided to return to active basketball after months in hiatus, he just simply said, “I’m Back!”.

On the issue of being the greatest player ever, Jordan said, “for me there’s no such thing as the greatest player ever since we played in different eras. I don’t know how I will fare against Jerry West”. But for many, he’s the anointed one. Permit me to borrow the words of another legend Larry Bird, minutes after Jordan exploded for 63 pts. against his Boston Celtics in one of their play-offs duel. “He is God disguised as Michael Jordan”.

Thank you MJ. But most of all, thank you God for letting us witness the legacy that is Michael Jordan.

Let the Games Begin!

Forget about the pandemic scare brought about by A (H1N1) virus. Forget about the cause of Michael Jackson’s tragic and untimely death. Forget about the possibility of poll automation in 2010 election initiated by the partnership of Total Information Management Corporation (TIM) & Smartmatic. Move over, National Collegiate Athletic Association; let’s roll the red carpet for the opening of the 72nd edition of University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).



On Saturday, the eight participating teams will try to outclass each other once again in 15 sports lined up every season. Ateneo, La Salle, UE, FEU, UP, Adamson and NU attempts to break the string of 11 straight over-all championships by the University of Sto.Tomas.

I’m one of the many patrons of UAAP despite leaving University of the East in mid 90’s. I had a lot of fond memories with the sports institution that made me aware of its yearly festivities. I'm one of the 6 lucky applicants, out of 25 wannabes, who were accepted in our schools official student newspaper, DAWN. My first assignment was to cover the junior division in basketball (my wish granted). I thought covering basketball was a piece of cake. I realized that watching vehemently and waiting for outcome of the game is not enough. Knowledge in running score is a must. After several weeks, I was given a new task. This time, not just one but a handful of sports events were assigned to me. But being involved in this small organization gives me not only unforgettable experiences but privileges and advantages too. During my brief stint in news writing, I met different people in different walks of life. I had the opportunity to interview emerging basketball superstars Mark Telan and Gerard Francisco during their high school days. I also had the chance to witness first-hand the domination of Dennis Espino-led UST Growling Tigers and the up and coming play of NU Bulldog Danny Ildefonso. I went in and out of playing venues like Rizal Memorial Coliseum and Swimming pool area, Ninoy Aquino Stadium, UST gymnasium and even Bro. Athanasius gymnasium in Dela Salle Taft. Gatorade became my favourite drink since you can get it free from playing venues. From courtside to dug-out, I can go wherever I want using my Press ID. I also had a grand time talking with students from different universities where I met some new friends. As a student, being a writer benefits me a lot. My uniforms were kept in my closet because I can wear civilian clothes. I can easily have access to different colleges from U.E. Kalookan and Recto. But the biggest privilege I got is when my arnis professor in Physical Education exempted and gave me 1.25 without attending his class. After learning that he was a long-time national coach in gymnastics, I interviewed him. 2 weeks after, the article came out. He was so happy that now, many students recognized him.

UAAP’s founding members believed that student’s growth and development is not based solely on their academic stand point. Encouraging them to participate in different sports brings out their competitive nature, sportsmanship, immense talent and potential to excel in this field.

For the next 4 months we will be treated to nail-biting, nerve wracking and pulsating games only the Archer,Eagle, Warrior, Tiger, Maroon, Falcon, Tamaraw and Bulldog can offer.

The New Pretender

Last May 4 on my post “Just 2 Rounds for the Best Pound for Pound”, I’ve mentioned the name Floyd Mayweather Jr. as the probable next opponent of Manny Pacquiao. Weeks after, several names cropped up. Mayweather’s adversary on July 18 fight and Mexico’s new boxing king Juan Manuel Marquez might get his 3rd fight with Pacman, if he beats “Money”. Pacquiao’s stable mate Miguel Cotto’s name was also mentioned. But Cotto has to beat first Clottey before he gets his shot at Pacquiao. Even the name of knock-out artist Edwin Valero continues to hound him. This early June, Sugar Shane Mosley was added in the mix. He even mentioned that he’s willing to go down to 144 lbs and accept a 60-40 split just to fight Pacquiao. The long list continues as last Saturday another pretender joined the fray. The name is Michael Katsidis coined “The Great Lightweight”. Katsidis is currently the WBO Asia-Pacific Lightweight champion. The 28 year old Katsidis was at the SCOOP sa Kamayan Press Conference Friday morning where he issued a challenge to Manny Pacquiao to have a fight staged here in Manila. I just reprint the exact words he made which was written by Rene Bonsubre Jr. in PhilBoxing. com.

Michael Katsidis’ Official Challenge Statement to Manny Pacquiao

By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 06 Jun 2009

“I am Michael Katsidis The Great. I stand here before you named after Achilles, the Greek God from Larissa, the place of my father’s homeland. We all know the feats of Achilles as he invaded Sparta to conquer their Prince Hector. I too will do the same.

I have conquered Australia. I then have travelled to England to challenge their king Graham Earl where I was to win the WBO world title. Since then I have conquered in Las Vegas, America. I gave the people a war against Filipino Czar Amonsot, a world title fight that many will never forget. I then fought Joel Casamayor in his home country and put him through the ropes in six rounds. He got back with the help of a doctor to get back into the ring and it was my own mistake that caused my empire to fall.

I have then invaded Texas to fight their King on their home soil. Even after having a badly injured hand I won that fight. I conquered the king on his own soil and only on paper the fight was said to be different. One judge gave the fight to me and the other two from Mexico and Texas gave it to their king by split decision. I previously captained and lead the Philippines to victory when they fought for the World Cup against Mexico. I promised the Philippines I would come to their soil and I did just that and defeated their Spanish enemy. It was quite easy to put Angel Hugo Ramirez on the back foot and send him back to Spain with the roaring strong Philippine crowd supporting me in the heart of Cebu.

From my experience here in the Philippines I have had the privilege of work with many gladiators. I have traveled all over the world and I have grown in confidence. I soon knew I was ready to travel again across enemy lines to America to do battle where the King of Austin was there to defend. At all costs, Jesus Chavez would not be victorious. Not even with the help of his noblemen on his homeland, the capital of Texas.

I would invade and this time not leave a decision at the hands of their King’s judges. After seven rounds of battle, Jesus Chavez bowed his head and gracefully accepts defeat as Austin’s King has now been dethroned. I was then able to continue the path that was chosen for me, to prove my greatness.

My next move was set to conquer all of Mexico and fight their King, Juan Manuel Marquez. I now stand before you as the number one lightweight contender in the world. Marquez chose a different path and maybe to forfeit his legacy by taking a fight against Floyd Mayweather. I have since then set my sails to England to challenge their King Ricky Hatton but now having fallen and battle scarred in such a bad way he is yet to decide if he is up to the challenge of defending his home country on his home soil.

I come here not to disrespect your King Manny Pacquiao but to challenge the greatest king that has ever lived on his home soil.

I have come here before you to name this fight now. The fight will be called “Manny Mean To fight In the Philippines”. The ruling King, Manny Pacquiao – I want to fight you. I want to do battle with you in your country. Here in your hometown, here on your beaches, here in your mountains, here in the Philippines!

I was honored to captain and stand in your place with the Philippine boxing team when you were unavailable and they defeated Mexico for the World Cup. Manny, I will give your people something that they want; they want to see you defend your throne here in your country.

I will give that fight to them. Manny Pacquiao, will you give this fight to the Filipino people?

For me this is not about the money, all I ask is for my home countries Australia and Greece to witness one of the greatest fights to ever take place. I will not fight you anywhere else but here in the Philippines and that is why I come here before your people. I love your country, I love your people. I will do this for my countries and I will do this for your country. I will give your people this fight here, will you?

If you accept this challenge- I will come to you!"

Heavy words for a not so popular or worthy opponent at all. Will Pacquiao gave him a glance? Can his 21 KO’s in 25 victories attract Pacquiao? Can he lure cash and give Mega Manny another huge paycheck? The game is still dictated by U.S dollars, isn’t it?

Day of the Big J

As an avid Ginebra fanatic, it's uncanny for me to forget the date, March 8. Robert Jaworski, PBA's Living Legend, celebrated his 63rd birthday. I've been pre-occupied by a lot of things that this date slipped away from my senses. For those who were born only during the Daylight saving time era or worse to those people who were only introduced to PBB Housemates and Startruck Survivors, let's rewind father time, as I take you to a quick journey to one of the most popular personality in the country and one of the most colorful cager who ever wore a pair of sneakers.

Robert Salazar Jaworski's rise to stardom was not an overnight fairytale. He started his basketball career in University of the East under the tutelage of Legendary coach Virgilio Dalupan. He was a vital cog for the Red Warriors leading his team to 2 titles. A many time National Team member, "Jawo", as he was fondly called, was banned for playing basketball in 1971 with pal Big Boy Reynoso for punching a referee. But after 3 years, the two were reinstated due to immense public clamor. "The Big J", coined after the NBA's "The Big O", was already 29 years old when PBA saw it's birth in 1975. Playing alongside Ramon Fernandez at Toyota Comets, he began to carve his name and slowly rised into the leagues elites. In 1983,Toyota disbanded and management decided to give away their players. Jaworski disagreed and uttered the famous line "Ano kami, parang mga baboy na ibebenta por kilo"? He then signed, together with best friend Francis Arnaiz, with the Gilbey's Gin where his popularity blossomed. Changing the name to Ginebra in 1985, he became the first playing coach in the PBA. There, he converted the non believers to believers, proving time and again their "never-say-die" attitude, winning several championships with the Palanca franchise. As a testament to his immense contribution to the league, the PBA patterned its logo to him. In 1995, he made history by drafting son Dudut Jaworski in the Annual Draft making them the first father and son tandem in any sports history. In 1998, he ran for the Senatorial race, where he won, that forced him to retire from active basketball. In 1999, he left the game, but up to this date his famous jersey no.7 has not been officially retired.

His career in basketball is replete with intrigues, controversies and success. Love him or hate him, but he will forever be the Darling of the Crowd. Borrowing from his own statement made during the final years of his career " I can't imagine myself playing without them", pointing to the rafters where the Barangay Ginebra screamed their most famous chant "Jaworski!Jaworski!Jaworski!