Metta World Peace

[o]

Lets go light this time.

I do not know how to categorized this on whether it is good or bad news for my dear Lakerland. Do not even know if this still fits as a sports news coz I think it's more of an odd one.

Ron Artest is changing his name to.... (drum roll please)



METTA WORLD PEACE!!!!! (toinks!)

This maybe some kind of an evolution from the great World B. Free (also of the NBA) but there was no explanation yet as to why he would want his name tag changed. Artest is a cool name already but the man is a nut job who (in these days)everybody likes. Well, except for the Pistons.

This latest foray into the weirdness made me scratch my basketballs a lil bit harder. We know he's trying to be better. I am just not sure if having Metta as first name, World as middle and Peace as last will ever last. Especially in Lakerland where every game is a war.

I am still inclined to buy his jersey though. How cool would it be to dunk over an opponent, p[ush him over the sideline, trash talk him some more and then turn my back where he'll read "PEACE!!!".

Go Lakers!!! Mavs verlieren im nächsten Jahr!

[o]

Manny Vs De La Hoya : Mexico vs Philipines Pen-Ultimate Round

The Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao versus Oscar "The Golden Boy" De La Hoya tiff this coming December is on!!!

Reports are saying that both camps have agreed in principle to stage the fight at years end. Manny Pacquiao will go up another weight class while De La Hoya will go down his. Both fighters will sacrifice some thing just to make the terms meet.

The height issue is the main issue on this tiff. Surely it is De La Hoya who has an edge. But no matter what, we'll surely see some great counters from the Pacman. He is used to being the underdog anyways. So fight fans take your pick .

I go for Pacquiao, by left hook or by crook!!!

Old World vs New World: Spain and USA meet in Olympic Basketball Finals

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As yours truly predicted in an earlier post, the Americans and the Spaniards will face off in the Finals of Beijing Olympics Mens Basketball tournament.

The US team led by Carmelo Anthony who snatched 21 points won 101 - 81 over reigning Olympic Hoops Champion Argentina. On the other hand, Spain beat Lithuania in the first semi-final game 91-86.

I was able to watch the preliminary match between the US and Spain and I can't help but wonder what adjustments Pau Gasol and his brother Mark will put into play come game time. The US clobbered the Iberian matadors 119 - 82 during pool play, where the Americans showed thier quickness.

However, I think we ought to see a much tighter game this time around. Pau and the Spanish Crew I think learned their lesson the first time and they should never commit the same mistakes now that the Gold is up for reaping.

The US team led by NBA MVP Kobe "My Idol" Bryant showed how serious they are in the first game between them. Noticed how Kobe dismissed Pau by shoving him to the ground when the latter tried to set a pick for his teammate in the first few minutes of the game? Kobe just walked on, stoned-faced as if nothing happened while Pau just can't help but smile. To me, that is the difference.

So if this time Spain is still thinking of horse-play, they should just pack up and not attend the match. For the US of A means business... means vengeance... means Gold... and nothing less!

Scores by Quarter during the USA and Spain pool match-up:
Q1: 31 - 22
Q2: 61 - 45
Q3: 86 - 63
Q4: 119 - 82

USA vs Spain : Beijing Olympics

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I was planning of writing something about this after the game. But I just can't help myself as I am really so excited about it. But I have a very big problem: I might not be able to watch it live... BUMMER!!! BUMMMERRRR!!! BUMMMMEEEERRR!!!! lol

I am going to my future wife's place and staying there for the night. And they have no cable tv so I sure am going to be able to watch the game when it is replayed already, hopefully the next day.

Kobe has been talking about this game since the last NBA post-season. Remember those interviews when he constantly talked about meeting Pau Gasol in Beijing? Now is the preview of that matchup. A preview because I really think these two teams will meet up eventully in the Olympic Basketball Finals although they are on the same grouping.

The Spaniards are power packed also led by the Gasol brothers. Their height might will surely bring in some headaches for Dwight Howard and Chris Bosh. To me that is where the Spanish is going to have a little edge, the middle. However, we all know that Bosh and Chris can always try to stir things up their way. Whew! I can't help but be regretful that I am gonna miss it. I just love my girl so much that is why.

Enough of this.. see you later at the game. On replay that is...

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The Men's basketball game today Saturday will be as follows:

Game 1: Greece (1-2) vs. Angola (0-3)
Game 2: Russia (1-2) vs. Australia (1-2)
Game 3: Croatia (2-1) vs. Lithuania (3-0)
Game 4: Iran (0-3) vs. Argentina (2-1)
Game 5: China (1-2) vs. Germany (1-2)
Game 6: USA (3-0) vs. Spain (3-0)

Go Kobe!

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All Eyes on Harry Tañamor: Updated

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Update: Our very own Harry Tañamor lost his light flyweight match with Ghana's Mangyo Plange. The Filipino boxer lost 6 - 3 in a one sided match. Looks like our hopes for an Olympic glory are now pinned on the jins, and whoever is left standing. But with the opposition so much formidable, we can only close our fingers and pray.

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All eyes are now on Boxer Harry Tañamor. The man is in a very unenviable position being the only man in the lean Philippine contingent in the ongoing Beijing Olympic games who all Filipinos think should be able to win at least a bronze medal. The other members of the Philippine team does not enjoy the same such high expectations from his countrymen. So even right now, I am all praises to the Filipino flyweight veteran. His ability to handle such pressure is worth a medal already.

Tañamor will be going up against Ghana's Manyo Plange at 7pm Manila time. Too bad, I will be at work at that time. Surely, I will be following the match on the web.

Let us all pray for the sweet chance for Harry to bring home the chinese bacon that is made of Gold.

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A Filipina in the US Olympic Swimming team in Beijing? I read it from Miss Dine Racoma's blog. According to the respected blogger, the swimmer Natalie Coughlin is 25% Filipina who eats pancit and lumpia in Bay area gatherings. Read more about it in The D Spot.

Beijing Olympics 2008 ::: 8.8.08

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Simply the best ever Olympic Games opener!!!

That is how I am going to describe the Beijing Olympics 2008 Grand Opening! Imagine an Olypic torch bearer running in mid air??? And the finale, that is the lighting of the Olympic flame put the mythical Barcelona Olympic Archer shot to shame!

The fireworks capped the night. Remember the Bombing of Baghdad? Well, it is nothing to how the Beijing skyline lit up after the Olympic flame is in full view.

The Chinese are simply on top of the world right now. Even the US can not match the patriotism, the nationalistic fervor, the economic prowess and the total edge of the Awakened Dragon. The Beijing Olympic Games is the proof. Indescribable!!!

Whoever is the head of the Beijing Olympic organizing committee, Congratulations!!!

UAAP FEU Cager Shot At!!!

Wow!!! The story about a UAAP basketball player, FEU Tamaraw forward Mac Baracael being shot at is truly huge!

But to add flavor to an already tasty news story, it seems that the motive behind the shooting is
related to the game of basketball. What?!!!!

Yes folks! The viral infection of what happened in the National Basketball Association (NBA)
concerning game fixing / cheating have reached the local shores. In this case, somehow cheaters in the game being played by FEU are said to be the suspects. Reports said that these cheaters are getting back at Baracael mainly because he 'squealed' about the involved individuals.

Now that is something!

The past few years, my interest in the local basketball leagues, (PBA, PBL, UAAP and NCAA
included) has really gone to a halt. No matter what the local basketball commentators and officials say, they can not hide the fact that the peoples interest in the game is at an all time low. Hell! even Ginebra chants sounds corny already.

It seem that the reason is coming to light. Could it be possible that these cheaters are not only
situated inside the walls of FEU? Could it be that even the amateur UAAP and the Pro-league games are affected? No wonder why Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas and the rotting Basketball Association of the Philippines BAP can not agree, if that is the case.

The game just got dirtier and boring... hmp!!!