A
Peek Into The Future!
As
Charles Dickens once wrote “it was the best of times, it was the worst of times”
but at the end of the day I am happy to
have a chance to get a peek into the future of La Salle basketball and it’s not
hard to see that the future is bright.
The
Green Archers, who were not even supposed to be in the Final Four, did not go
quietly. They pushed the defending
champions to the limit. Keeping close
through the first two and a half quarters, La Salle went to Yutien Andrada who
sliced through Ateneo’s defense like a hot knife through butter.
Early
in the 4th quarter, La Salle’s lead went as high as 11. That’s when Ateneo’s maturity as a team came
into play. Kiefer Ravena took control of
the game and willed Ateneo to a close victory
Once
again, the guards of La Salle proved effective with gutsy Thomas Torres and The
Iceman Almond Vosotros controlling the pace of the game. It was the best performance from DLSU guards
I have seen in a long time. They
rebounded, defended and dished at the ball with precision.
La
Salle’s game today belonged to reed-thin Yutien Andrada. His ability to find the smallest space and
make that under goal stab caught Ateneo by surprise. They threw everyone at him but to no
avail. With the help of Vosotros and
Thomas Torres, he made Slaughter look like a lamppost. Adding rebounds to his offense, Andrada’s
showed that he can have his day too.
I
am also extremely impressed with Teng and T. Torres for not backing down
against the foul mouthed Buenafe. From
the start of the game Buenafe was trash talking the 2 rookies, to no
avail. Teng and Thomas did not get
intimidated.
There
are many things that can be said on how we should’ve, could’ve, would’ve won
this game. However let’s not lose sight
on what was accomplished rather what was not.
I
will not do the blame game as it will bring no positive results. As a Lasallian who has experienced the worst
of times, I would like to believe that we as a community can look to the future
with a smile on our faces.
I
felt that Ateneo was definitely intent on ending this year with a bang. With the departure of Mr. Manny Pangilinan,
Coach Norman Black, Nico Salva, Greg Slaughter and host of other players,
Ateneo may just experience what La Salle went through in the last 3 years. The most I saw of Mr. Pangilinan today was a
patch on Norman Black’s shirt that said “MVP”.
Kudos to Coach Norman for his display of loyalty to the man who brought
Ateneo to where it is today.
To
all the members of this year’s team, I say thank you for giving us what we have
missed for so long. We were there for
the good times and we were there for the bad because we saw that you
believed. The Lasallian spirit really
showed with you guys. Even player/alumni
came and showed you that they too believed.
Look to the future with a smile but do not forget to look at the past and
learn from it. No matter what happens,
keep the faith and we will keep it with you.
We
have to thank Ambassador Eduardo Conjuangco for his support. Many may say that his support to the team is
purely financial. What many do not see
is his presence during practices and his support at the bench during
games. It’s easy to throw a wad of pesos
into a sports program but to be there with the team through thick and thin is
something I have never seen, except with Boss Danding.
It’s
also easy just to see the players on the court who make the dazzling
plays. Yet without a dedicated, patient
and efficient coaching staff, the players would go nowhere fast. For that we have to thank the coaching staff
of Gee Abanilla, Jun Limpot, Juno Sauler, Mac Cuan, Tyrone Bautista and Joe
Ward.
I
also am happy to see that we are finally well represented in the UAAP
Board. I am very proud of my cousin
Henry Atayde who is one of DLSU’s reps (together with Mr. Edwin Reyes) for
standing up to the old boy’s club that is the UAAP Board.
Let’s
also not forget all the members of the Office of Sports Development for their
unending support not just to the basketball team but to all the athletes in the
different sports DLSU participates in. I
know for a fact that Br. Bernie Oca FSC, who heads the OSD, is looking at a banner
year where DLSU has a good chance to bag the overall championship.
As
the season comes to an end, this blog will go on.
There are many more things to write about especially the road to Season
76.
ANIMO!
(Follow
me on Twitter: @the_green_mind)
82 comments:
Good post sir! DLSU will definitely be a force to reckon with in the coming years.
Well said sir, next year is ours!
great "season-ending" read, sir! the archers, despite their youth, did a really good job this season. final four shoo-ins and perhaps title contenders next year na 'to.
again, good read sir. i felt bad earlier seeing blames thrown on why we lost the game. ok lang if it were the missed calls but blames were thrown to a few players. i really feel no ones to be blamed cuz everyone did their best and thats how we should see it.
also, thanks for highlighting the maturity of our rookies, teng and torres. usually in uaap, the player's game and attitude matures as they earn tenure but these 2 showed it early on. Very contrary to what the senior buenafe has been showing in this league. i just hate his face. anyway cant wait for the next season, til then mr atayde.
The game was ruined by that no-call foul of Buenafe. Why does ADMU always get the calls? Tayo sa game na yon, ni isa walang nakuhang tawag!
great entry to end our basketball season this year, sir! it was bittersweet to say the least. it would've been better if we went to the finals but what we've achieved this year is very much a huge leap from where we were before. that makes me SO PROUD! let's not forget to thank jovet and joshua, for the 5 years they've been with us.
here's to next season! ANIMO!
Sure Ateneo may get their 5 peat this year. They'll brag about it and all that but records exist so that they can be broken. I truly believe that starting next year it will be our turn to start a dynasty and we will eclipse what looks like a 5 straight run for Ateneo. ANIMO LA SALLE 4 life.
Sir, would you actually agree to give a talk sa isang Ateneo event?
heart breaking loss for the Archers! but still this 4th place finish ain't bad for a team that's supposed to be rebuilding, AN1MO LA SALLE!
Another great post sir! I hope that you will also write articles regarding the upcoming volleyball season and the lady spikers as we are also dominating that sport in the UAAP :)
are we getting "imports" next year or someone to fill the 2 slot because I think that's the only part where DLSU is vulnerable. our 2 guards are either good defenders or just plain shooters. we need to have both and more attackers inside like jeron
Boss danding is truelly a class act . And mvp will never be a danding. You know what i mean tony. Danding, even with his power, never corrupts the game and let the players determine the outcome. If we win, its a well deserved win! Animo La Salle!
Archers, keep your heads high. You've made the DLSU community proud with your heart and good showing this season. Like any La Sallian, I'm devastated with the loss to the other school but I take pride that this team outdid itself this season. Let's congratulate Ateneo for winning this game but I can't wait to face them again next year. This year's experience will serve us good in the future games. Kudos to all behind the team this year!
Tony, great article again and thanks for this space. More power.
Animo La Salle!
Foul mouthed buenafe? Nanuod ka ba? O wala kang ticket? E si teng ang yumayabang nung naka 6 points sya nung umpisa. Panuorin mo replay. O malamang wala kang HD.
It's a very rough road to take if one team wants to win against Ateneo. The Eagles are undeniably a very strong team. But then, we cannot blame the archers because they really played and fought hard with their very best. No doubts that they had a better performance this time compared to the last two encounters being behind with 10 points after the final buzzer. Though it was a very tough loss by just 3 points, they really gave
their heart and all out. No reasons to be ashamed of. Hands down to the archers who never failed to show
us their efforts and ANIMO to win every game since the start of the
season. They never showed a sign of giving up. They proved that they've got what it takes to be a challenging team not easy to play along with. Just merely getting in to the Final 4 is one huge
achievement for us and the Green Archers! They are already true winners for that! Perhaps it's not yet time. There are still a lot of notes to take down. But next season, we'll surely be back having a totally improved team! With the TENGsanity, VosoTRES, Thomas Torres, and the rest of the team, there is a greater future for us! They better watch out for STRONGER GREEN ARCHERS ready to fight back
and hit that championship crown! Thank you and Congratulations for an amazing season Green Archers!
We La Sallians are very proud of you guys! We'll never stop on supporting the whole team!
D-LS-U!!! Animo La Salle!!!
*Another great article from you Sir Tony! :) Looking forward for more in the coming days especially in the next season. :)
Witnessed today what we have'nt felt in a long time..the feeing of being able to match with our long time rivals toe to toe. The game was decided up to the last seconds of the game. We finally have that old SWAGGER in us. The passion, the will to win.The never say die attitude. We just don't back down this time. The loss was painful but it would just make the team bounce back, a stronger team. Learning to value the pain of the loss can help us value more the satisfaction of a hard earned win if everybody have a mindset of not giving up. Playing each game like it is our last game. It is this SWAG that has been missing the past years but now it's back, Jeron Teng's will to win will be a good influence for the others, playing with al your heart each game, win or lose, you'll have no regrets.. The loss today gives us hope and not regrets. We have achieved more than enough in such a short time. We turned the last part of our season into something that we can look back and say we have come a long way and that there's no where to go but up. Good GAME today. Painful but we are gratefyl for we all know that WE can be back again, STRONGER and WISER. GO LASALLE!!!! ANIMO!!!!
Words of comfort again from you Sir :) Game was too emotional for me. Totally agree about our future being bright! Reality bites, though :( Gonna miss seeing them play. Moving on to season 76! :>
Thank you Coach Gee Abanilla for the wonderful leadership you have shown, on your first year no less! You and the rest of the coaching staff have made a starter and a heck of a defender in Jed Manguera, who was always kept in the bench prior to this year. You made fearless players in our rookies Thomas and Jeron. You have utilized and improved greatly AVO, Vosotros, Norbert and Andrada, whose great potential were barely given attention to before, and then have also made a great leader out of LA. Your motivation to the boys, plus their heart and determination are the key factors that led to the wonderful season of the Archers. The future indeed looks bright :) ANIMO! Nice one DLSU Archers!!!! We are so proud of you and the team you have come to be! Can't wait for Season 76! Sir Tony I hope your updates about DLSU does not stop with the season being over!
Spoken like a true Lasallian. No excuses, no blaming, no putting down. Thank you for showing us how to express our feelings as well. This was a great season, finally, we can say that there's no way but up!
A very good and inspiring post Sir! We're sure gonna nail it next season!
To the team and coaching staff- I salute you for this achievement, you've played with all your heart!
Keep the LaSallian spirit alive!
ANIMO LA SALLE!
Next year, the archers will retake the throne! Animo!
the future is bright with only webb and mendoza graduating, with a young core of jeron teng,thomas torres,AVO, the bear,and gab reyes, and veterans like LA,andrada,and vosotros,big chance to win it all in 76
We'll get them next year! And the next next, and the next next next.. heck, we'll 6-peat! haha I see a very bright future for La Salle basketball, our current players have the animo!
It's good not talking about the controversial 2 minutes of the 4th quarter. It made my knee wobble and my heart pound during the game, I thougt the game was ours but then it said that the ball is really round and it can go to its own direction. I have a great confidence to our team next year, with the upcoming rookies, the improvement of the current players and the cultivation of the champion spirit in each and every member in the Lasallian community. This game really proved a lot that our community is the best in the entire Phlippines win or lose. Kudos to the bright future of Jovet Mendoza and Joshua Webb, may you find your lway going to the pros.
Let's not be sad for the end is just a beginning of a new chapter in the History of De La Salle Green Archer's stellar basketball story.
Animo La Salle!
Sir Tony, thank you for your write ups this season! always looking forward to your blog after a La Salle game. Hope you write more blog posts and keep us updated with what's been happening to the team! The future definitely looks brighter now compared to the past seasons. Hopefully, everything should turn out the way we wanted next year. I'm really looking forward to the rookies next season (the boys who are playing in team B. hehe!) and of course, home grown talents from LSGH and Zobel.
My views on the UAAP Finals: After seeing how tough the DLSU team played today and how they managed to push the pressure on Ateneo, I can say that ADMU will definitely have a hard time winning the season 75 crown against a full-hearted Pido Jarencio squad. Though I am still a bit heartbroken with todays loss, I am, at the same time, excited for the UAAP finals. You gotta love this season except for the stupid turn of events by the board. Anyway, this final match up will be really interesting. Hmmm maybe a repeat of Finals circa 2006? Cant wait!
Looking forward to Season 76. With Henry on the UAAP Board, we will have a stronger presence and won't become a chicken tinola.
For all of us, let's not forget, we still have our crown jewel, the defending back to back champions - DLSU Lady Spikers to cheer and support.
Of course all the other LS teams deserve our support.
Good job Green Archers!!!
I hate to say this but Coach Gie made the wrong move in sending in Webb, and failed to immediately address the situation in taking him out. As I recall, at the time Webb was in, Ravena made at least 5 points, a 3 pointer and 2 free throws off the foul of Webb. Webb also bubbled by losing the ball near our basket. And this was at the time that we were leading. We could have won this game. It was really a bad move by the coach, even if it was for sentimental reasons because Webb was a graduating player. Well, we'll get it next year.
Hope springs eternal
It was a good post sir. It is so nice to see this. Makes me a proud la sallite. ANIMO.
It was a good post sir. It is so nice to see this. Makes me a proud la sallite. ANIMO.
I would definitely be honored to speak at an Ateneo event. I have many good friends from the Ateneo. Let's a;ways remember that the rivalry so strong because we have more in common than differences with the Blue Eagles.
Let's all move on!!! what is done is done... Animo Lasalle
Great article, sir.
I'm an Atenean, and have enjoyed reading your blog this past season, because of the insider info you always have.
I respect you and your integrity, and agree that no protests need to be made. Had it gone the other way, we shouldn't protest, either. Bad officiating is always there. From the bad unsportsmanlike foul called on Kiefer, to the non-call when Jun Limpot marched across court to the referee during a timeout in the 4th (One can also argue they gave him the same leniency Norman got during the ADMU-UST Rd 2 game). But at the end of the day, let's just play ball.
In a way, it's poetic justice that NU got booted out, so that they learn to win games on the court.
Anyway, let us cherish what might be a good run in the finals, because I'm sure it won't be the same next year. I can tell you this much, I really am scared of your team next year. And although I know you'll be cheering for the tigers in the finals, we'd still like to thank you for giving us a hell of a scare yesterday.
Animo.
You know what makes me so excited about this team? They now believe in themselves. Wala nang takot! They know their roles when inside the court.
Thank you, Green Archers, for the great season!
Halimaw kayo kahapon. LUPIT!
Jovet and Joshua, thank you and good luck!!! AN1MO LA SALLE!
If not for the non-call on the Buenafe hack, it could have been a different story. Oh well...breaks of the game. Nothing to sulk about. This team obviously has the heart and animo. They definitely exceeded my expectations. Now I'm expecting nothing less than a finals appearance in seasons 76, 77 and 78. Animo!
"Foul mouthed buenafe? Nanuod ka ba? O wala kang ticket? E si teng ang yumayabang nung naka 6 points sya nung umpisa. Panuorin mo replay. O malamang wala kang HD." - Anonymous
To the one who typed that statement, maybe you are the one who was not watching the game very closely. Kung nagyabang man si Teng, he has the right to do so against a trashtalking Buenafe. Retaliation lang yun sa walang kwentang strategy niya para guluhin yung laro ng DLSU. Kasing-ugali mo si Buenafe mo, parang walang pinag-aralan.
Just so you know, Sir Tony watches the game live. He can see the game clearly from the sides.
The players gave it their all, no one should blame some players for the loss. Blame the referees for giving bad calls and not being able to differentiate a foul from a flop. Seems like they were gonna get frowned upon if Ateneo lost that game.
Also, that foul on Buenafe should have been called! What the hell happened? This isn't WWE where everyone gets away with cheating when the referee isn't looking even if the big screen is right in front of them.
Then again, at the end of the day, Lasallians earned something better than a championship. That class act of Thomas Torres is one thing that should be emulated by everyone. Even if the rivalry is there, RESPECT and the WILLINGNESS TO HELP should not be thrown out the window.
ADMU may have won this one but next season will be different. Indeed, the future looks bright for our DLSU Green Archers.
Thank you Sir Tony for giving all of us a great read since day one. You are the best! :)
Animo La Salle!
Eto na naman po ako, Sir Tony, commenting on what the team was wearing. Bakit po nga ba laging naka-puti ang La Salle pag kalaban ang Ateneo itong season na ito? I thought the Green Archers were entitled to go "green" yesterday at least in the first of the play-off games (if ever there would be a winner-take-all match had DLSU won). Siguro hindi naman po ang "home and away" rule na binanggit nyo ang paliwanag dito. Now I am forced to believe na may "sa buwenas" talaga ang Ateneo kapag palagi silang naka-blue tuwing kaharap ang La Salle. The Archers were just moments away from getting another crack at dethroning the overstaying Eagles, but, as fate would have it, they were denied that golden chance.
Sana naman nag-suot ng green ang DLSU kahapon, ayun like what I feared, hindi na-break ang "jinx". Worse, kitang-kita pa sa TV na "punit" yung uniform ni Van Opstal sa may left armhole nya, eh yun din yung suot nya noon pang laban nila sa FEU last Wednesday. In our household ang daming nakapansin nito. Di po ba nationwide itong TV coverage? Abot pa yata sa buong mundo because of the Filipino Channel of ABS-CBN. So, most likely, many more could have noticed it. The photos posted in the Go Archers site clearly showed this. In a team huddle during the FEU knockout match, it can be seen that AVO's uniform was already "punit". And yet yun pa rin ang suot nya kahapon. Ano ba naman yan? Doesn't the team have spare jerseys to replace torn or damaged uniforms of any one of its players? Or was that really a portent of negative things to happen? Did it bring bad luck? So much for pre-game or post-game analyses, plans and strategies but little factors such as these must also be addressed, I think.
In the not-too-distant past, I remember a former coach and his players at that time and even members of the team management and some ardent supporters went as far as shaving their heads and going bald just to stem the tide and reverse the team's fortune. There were even talks about players following the "feng shui" elements. So why not believe in wearing the other color of their uniforms? Was it difficult to insist with the organizers or with the other team that "o, kami naman ang mag-beberde, dalawang beses na kayong naka-blue". No offense meant, just asking lang po.
We have to go back to last year when this team was a mess and the future was bleak. This blog was one of the sites where Gee Abanilla's name came up as the anointed head coach for the Green Archers. I guess the alumni responded and we got what we wanted. We finished the season and everybody is satisfied with the performance of Gee and his staff. This team will be sharper next year. Hope we get word from incoming players during the offseason. Season 76 starts today.
Sir Tony it's alright for me if we really lost fair and square, but that noncall in the final seconds really hurt me. A lot of people are saying that call on kiefer was unjust, but it was really an unsportsmanlike foul. He went for the player instead of the ball. It was an advantage foul if you don't want to use the term unsportsmanlike..
This is not the end. I suppose this would be our STEPPING-STONE towards the future championships. We may lose this game, but we all know that God knows who really deserved this game. Let's continue to support De La Salle University as we Live Jesus in Our Hearts FOREVER.
Thank You Jovet Mendoza and Joshua Webb for being part of La Salle's Bastketball Team. Your Loyalty and Dedication for the team and La Salle could not be measure anything.
Goodluck DLSU Basketball Team for the next season. We hope that it will be our time to bring back the Championship Trophy and to recede the Dynasty we have been chase since. ANIMO LA SALLE!!!!
If not for the non-call on the Buenafe hack, it could have been a different story. Oh well...breaks of the game. But in my opinion it was the coaching that did us in when they rested Yutien and the guards while they were hot. Still nothing to sulk about. The boys played with a lot of heart and character.
They definitely exceeded my expectations this year. Now I'm expecting nothing less than a finals appearance in seasons 76, 77 and 78. Animo!
By the way, hats off to Thomas Torres. Despite the heated rivalry, he was there to help out a fallen foe. Now that's a TRUE La Sallian in action. Keep us proud! Animo.
It's about time Teng grows up. He puts on a shirt that says Tengsanity, and yet he does not demand the ball from Vosotros. He's got to get that ball during endgame situations; he's got to demand it, and scream at Vosotros if need be. Ritualo always wanted it during the endgame. He was clutch (and he never wore a self promoting shirt), while Teng is not (yet).
Teng has to grow from this experience. He missed the freethrow that could have tied it, and he turned the ball over in the final play (that hack by Buenafe could have been avoided if Teng didn't drive aimlessly, without purpose).
Teng is talented, for sure. He is the King Archer, definitely. But he's got to stop wearing shirts that proclaim how great he is, when in fact he's nowhere near the greatness of Ritualo.
Stay humble, stay hungry, these are word one should live by.
hi sir tony!
tama ka. let's not play the blame game na lang. masaya ako na nagawa ng team yung goal which is to get to the final four. next year siguro mag set na sila ng higher goals hehehe kase with the way they played from the 2nd half of eliminations to yesterday's game, eh mukhang kayang kaya na. dun pa lang masaya nako.
maaaring oras ng ateneo ngayon tulad nung mga panahon na lagi tayong panalo. natalo man tayo kahapon... kahapon na yun. masaya pa rin ako.
animo!!!
There is a replay on Studio 23 this Sunday Sep30 at 4pm. See what Webb did that cost La Salle the game. Coach Abanilla should have seen this wrong entry of Webb, but chose to let him stay longer when the damage has already been done. The evidence will speak for itself.
As for Jeron Teng, the replay will also show it was not his error but the hold by Buenafe on Teng's left arm, which was not called as a foul, that caused him to lose control of the ball since his left arm was jammed.
"the rivalry is so strong because we have more things in common than differences with the blue eagles" - well said Sir. I am proud to be a LaSallian and to be an Atenean at the same time. Watching the rivalry Is always fun for me since I win every time.
As the the clouds darken over the hills in Loyola we can definitely say that the Sun is on the rise at Taft. Well, Id rather have this happening 'coz at least the two schools who is responsible for the giving life to a dying league called UAAP can continue their legacy.
PS: T.Torres in deed showed great sportsmanship with what he did. Kudos to this kid! Doing the right thing even if it is not the popular choice. I hope that the leaders of this country can follow the good example Thomas did.
Yesterday, while I was waiting for 2 hours the live blog of the game here in Melbourne, Australia, my Aussie friend, who doesn't even know about DLSU nor ADMU uttered when he saw an office mate wearing a green polo shirt and a blue jacket: "Blue and Green shouldn't be seen, without a color in between!" Got shocked and I quickly related his comment on the outcome of the game. Hoping that green prevails but if not I had UST and the "yellow" color (in "between") in mind then. Sounds corny but that's how Aussies see both colors! Cheers Mates in DLSU!
Well said sir!
Animo! Can't wait for Season 76!
You got the bogus flagrant called on Kiefer. 2 Freethrows plus possesion. La salle just failed to capitalize.
What a fantastic read…thank you Tony for always writing what is in our hearts and telling it like it is. You have really made true sense of this UAAP season with your brilliant articles and I certainly can’t wait for next year as your avid reader.
I cannot agree with you more and most of the bloggers here that despite this devastating loss, there is so much to be optimistic about regarding our team’s future! For me, it’s not what they weren’t able to do, it’s all about what they have accomplished in this remarkable rebuild season. Congratulations to Coach Gee and his staff for turning this team completely around and transforming our players into disciplined, determined and inspiring athletes on the court. Coach Gee and team have brought back what every Lasallian has desired for so long, the competitive fire and heart that makes us fans believe. Our players certainly have immense talent and potential, but it takes a special kind of coach to instill the right mindset, define specific roles and get them playing together so cohesively. Coach Gee has brought the defensive, team game back to the Archers and because of how much they have improved this year, I just know the sky’s the limit. Our bigs set amazing picks, even our smalls rebound, everyone goes for the crafty steal or unbelievable block…and most of all, no one takes a play off. To put up that solid defensive effort down to the dying seconds of each game just speaks volumes of the intense work that the coaching staff and team have put in this season. It takes an unbelievable amount of commitment, discipline and efficiency to become this good together in such short a time, but Coach Gee has made La Salle college basketball once again a beautiful sight to behold.
I find it funny that some nitpick about who should have or have not been playing in crunch time, when the truth is this team is all about equal opportunity to shine. No one knows where the highest scoring or amazing plays are coming from game to game because our DLSU squad is the epitome of team effort. Of course, there will always be struggles because it is a work in progress, but they have made gargantuan strides in this first year together. The biggest stride they have made for me is that they have given us fans a bright ray of hope again. It’s so easy for casual fans to hail a four-peat championship team, but I am so proud to be part of the Lasallians that crowd the stands to support our team that has worked so hard to get to this point. We know that we finally have what we have been waiting so long for…players who are properly motivated and burning to make it happen, players who strive at all costs to bring pride to our alma mater, players who leave it all out on the floor every single game. Thank you to the entire DLSU team for their unprecedented effort and a truly unforgettable season. And thank you most of all, Coach Gee and staff, for making it possible and bringing it all back, so much better than ever before. As a bonafide fan of DLSU basketball, I could not ask for more. See you next season on your road to the first of many championships!
I have to agree with Anonymous said and I second his evaluation.
"I hate to say this but Coach Gie made the wrong move in sending in Webb, and failed to immediately address the situation in taking him out. As I recall, at the time Webb was in, Ravena made at least 5points, a 3 pointer and 2 free throws off the foul of Webb. Webb also bubbled by losing the ball near our basket. And this was at the time that we were leading. We could have won this game. It was really a bad move by the coach, even if it was for sentimental reasons because Webb was a graduating player."
This was the biggest blunder that the coach did and for whatever reasons I do not understand. That wiped out the cushion La Salle had. Both coach Gee and Webb were the goat of this game. Anyway, till next year.
I have to agree with Anonymous when he says...
"I hate to say this but Coach Gie made the wrong move in sending in Webb, and failed to immediately address the situation in taking him out. As I recall, at the time Webb was in, Ravena made at least 5points, a 3 pointer and 2 free throws off the foul of Webb. Webb also bubbled by losing the ball near our basket. And this was at the time that we were leading. We could have won this game. It was really a bad move by the coach, even if it was for sentimental reasons because Webb was a graduating player. Well, we'll get it next year".
This was a very costly blunder on the part of the coach. The lead La Salle had was wiped out when Webb was in the game. Both coach and player turned out to be the goat. Anyway, till next year.
I watched the game in Araneta and thought there were many bad calls against DLSU. When my Atenean friends claimed there were many bad calls against ADMU too, I reviewed my tape.
I watched it twice, rewinding and playing at slow motion many plays during the game. There were so many non-calls by the refs. In one or two instances, Norbert was fouled while shooting but no calls were made. But Slaughter was being hammered in the paint too, maybe four or five times with no foul called.
The foul called against T. Torres on Chua was a bad call too. It was a clean steal. But there were many fouls on Ravena that weren't called either.
There were bad calls on both sides.
You just don't notice bad calls against your opponent. Let's stop talking about them.
The game was a classic case of the 3 blind mice, a coaching blunder and the famous choke at the crucial moments (esp. vs ADMU). The game was winnable until this graduating player was introduced to guard Ravena. From that time on the rally fizzled out, ADMU overtook us, and Ravena finished us off. Nothing personal but I have seen this many times before. What we can't take away is the fine performance of the team overall. They have gone beyond everyone's expectations. Congrats to all those who worked hard to put this thing together. Fine article classmate!
Totally agree with Anonymous September 30, 2012 4:24 PM. Bad calls (or non-calls) by the referees were on both sides so let's put an end to all of this talk. It was really a heartbreaking loss for DLSU but I'm very, very hopeful for our future. Can't wait for Season 76: less than 10 months to go! Thanks for the insightful blog posts, Sir Tony! Animo La Salle! =)
Despite losing, this is really one of the games I really enjoyed watching this season. Although there was some questionable calls against both sides, I still felt that the players decided the outcome of the game.
Let's face it my fellow La Sallites, our players built that 11 point lead and Kiefer willed his team to victory. The refs didn't make those baskets, the players did.
It's a great time to be a La Sallian, the future looks bright.
On another note, now that the season is over. Sir Tony, is it now ok to know what happened with Mark Tallo?
Thanks to all of you for your comments.
1. Regarding the critics of La Salle, I am no longer intersted in getting into a word with them. It's pretty stupid to wamnt to read my blog just so they can be offended.
2. Regarding the decision of the coach, I will always respect the coach because he has his reasons. Sometimes the most far flung decisions can be right and the most logical decision can be wrong. Hindsight is 20/20 vision.
3. Regarding Mac Tallo, I will respect his privacy on the matter. It's not about the season being over but about respect.
4. Regarding the blame being thrown at Joshua Webb, I am verymuch against it as it only looks at that 3 minutes that he was on the court. If he had made tha 3 point shot, than everyone would be shouting praises at him.
At the end of the day, we defied odds and entered the Final Four when no one thought we can do so. We should all be happy and thankful as we worked hard for this! Congratulations to the players, managers, Sir Danding, and especially to the coaching staff for re-ignighting the AN1MO flame. Looking forward to next year's run! Never shall we fail!
Thanks Sir Tony! Loved reading your articles from Down Under. Nobody to blame for this game. It's the "breaks" of the game, simple as that. Webb didn't want us to lose, especially to the other fence, on his last year. Gee is awesome! Good job my Green Mates! Next year is OUR YEAR. FEAR the ARROW, our TIME is TOMORROW! Cheers Mates!
Agree with Conrad, no use assigning blames now, the important thing is that we did our best and gave it our all! ANIMO LA SALLE!!!
Agree with Conrad, no use assigning blames now, the important thing is that we did our best and gave it our all! ANIMO LA SALLE!!!
For a very young DLSU team, being a part of the Final Four is already an achievement for them. Aside from meeting the "minimum" goal for this season, DLSU was not even expected to be in this year's Final Four but the Green Archers were able to beat expectations and booted the thugs from Morayta out of Final Four contention. See the fourth place finish of the Green Archers this season as their initial step towards greatness, which might come, yes, next season.
My husband and I watched the replay of the admu-dlsu game yesterday,and our hearts bleed for all the insults and blames thrown on Joshua Webb being the cause of Ravena's rampage of shots in the 4th quarter. I don't think these people putting all the blame on Webb saw objectively what transpired in the 4th quarter. Webb tried to the best oh his ability to guard Ravena; however, Ravena was just too fortunate to have lady luck on his side; imagine a 3rd or 4th 3-point shot getting in after ball bounces off the rim. Moreso, it was not only Webb who guarded Ravena; Ravena made his shots too against other dlsu players.So as true Lasallians, let us stop hurling harsh words against our fellow Lasallian.
Just a reminder to those who want to comment. I cannot post comments with indecent words. I screen comments because there alarge number of young people who also read the blog.
To Verdant Rooter,
I finally got an answer on the the uniforms. When they play in Araneta the light colored uniform is for the team that sits on the side of its supporters. That is the home team.
The team that sits across the players bench is the away team and therefore wears the dark uniform.
Thomas Torres is a great archer indeed. He has shown a true lasallian character! Being rivals did not matter to him, and even if one of the coaches shouted at him to get to the bench, he still helped the cramped atenista. Great sportmanship! Hats of to Thomas, great game, great character. For me he is the one to be called the king archer.
Great read sir tony! We couldve won it, but man Kiefer really willed their team to win. As much as his game hurt our cause, i can never find myself hating him. I bid good luck to our rivals! I hope they win their 5-peat, they wont be having any championships for a long while after that!
Speaking of the future, who do you think will fill out the slots left by Joshua and Jovet and make the jump from the developmental team to the 1st team if let's say the next season starts next month?
Hi Sir Tony,
I must admit that I am not a La Sallian, I grew up and Studied in the province but I have been supporting DLSU ever since...I even watched DLSU games, wore green, and sat beside some DLSU alumni and supporters and exchanges high fives with them, without them knowing that I am not a La Salle alumnus (hehehe)..I'm an avid reader of your blog sir. I really admire the La Sallian spirit and someday want my kids to enroll in DLSU and try out in your men's varsity team. I really feel sad of the result, I was really thinking that (we) DLSU will win that game after erecting an 11 point lead, but despite of the hard works of the guys, lady luck was really not on their side. Thomas Torres really showed a great example by helping a cramping opponent, besides, the kid can really play, some more exposure and this kid will eat alive his opponents, he can shoot, dish out assists, has great handle, just keep on coming and never afraid of the physicality, and has high basketball IQ. Jeron should develop and practice his perimeter and outside shot, then he'll be unstoppable. AVO should also develop more his inside game, he will be a beast inside along with Norbert. I will pray for this team to remain healthy in the coming seasons and bring the glory back to Taft.
Also, I was really touched by the picture I saw in goarchers.com, the one where players, coaches, alumni, and supporters gathered and prayed inside the dugout.Bro. Oca leading the prayer, Joshua and Jovet still crying, Sir Quinito also with teary eyes, coach Jong also present, Sir Danding and his brother, former players..all in prayer...
Will continue supporting La Salle..
Russ
Fair enough on the Tallo situation Tonyü looking forward to your offseason posts... Hopefully posts regarding possible recruits for the benefit of us die-hard La Sallians who are only aware of Tiong Lian league prospectsü
hi tony, what's the deal w/ black being a pldt employee? so his full salary is c/o mvp? no uaap rules broken here?
Unlike in the US NCAA that has very strict rules regarding alumni boosters, I think the rule here is "get what yoy can from anyone you can".
Unlike in the US NCAA that has very strict rules regarding alumni boosters, I think the rule here is "get what yoy can from anyone you can".
thanks tony.
so, i guess the question now is who will admu turn to for next season
Sir Tony, when will Perkins, Haruna and Ricafort be eligible to play in the UAAP? I read in the rules that they must have two years residency, but Bobby Ray Parks who graduated in the States just had a year of residency. The same is true for Greg Slaughter who is a transferee from UV.
With regards to residency, there is more exceptions than rules. Perkins should already be eligible but for sure there will be protests from other members of the league. Ricafort and Haruna should be ready to play next season.
Too bad Perkins can't play next season, but it's a blessing in disguise since Papot and Fonzo will have their chance to improve and be on the rotation. At least we'll have no problem in filling up Yutien's spot after he leaves. La Salle will have the best frontline in the next 5yrs.
Sir Tony! Please watch and spread!! ANIMO LA SALLE!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULS5Snuq_8I&feature=youtu.be
Thomas Torres reminds me of a freshman Paul Artadi (also from LSGH), but Thomas has much better SHOOTING!
I hope Mac Tallo could strut his stuff in the upcoming games like he did in Fil-oil.
Tony, I commend your blog entries and your display of a true La Sallian gentleman for being a christian and a great sport to our foes on the court. I agree we have more positive similarities than differences with our Atenean brothers.
Magnificent! (As usual. :-P )
Sir Tony I'm OK with our performance this year and foresee i bright future for us in the next year/s. I am disheartened though that we were beaten to the 5-peat. How could this happen to us when in 2007 ateneo only dreamed of matching our 4-peat. Our program was broken and hopefully fixed. However, with the level playing field in the UAAP nowadays it looks close to impossible to get back to back championships in the future. Anyway, i'll just settle for a title with or without a repeat in the future.
Sir Tony I have accepted our fate and am positive about our future. I am disheartened that ateneo got their 5-peat though. How could we let this happen when in 2007 we were the team to beat and admu was just dreaming of even matching our 4-peat. Now they have overtaken us and with the very tight competition in the UAAP nowadays making a repeat championship is close to impossible. For now I will settle for a title...but history has not been kind to us.
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