The Kids are Alright

     So, the 2010 Jones Cup has concluded and to no one's surprise, Iran came out on top, yet again.  The Philippines' Smart GIlas, ended up 4th, toting an even 3-3 record.  Looking at the Gilas website, seeing all the panicked, doomsday-like proclamations of supposed, "concerned fans," about how GIlas is doomed and how PBA players are needed for victory,  I was/am incensed.  I am not paid by Manny Pangilinan or Smart GIlas, but I truly support their long term plan for basketball.  I even wrote about why I would bet on Gilas over any PBA team when playing international tournaments.  Rather than rehash all my statements in that article, I decided to play the numbers game.


Head to Head

     Most of the comments long for the inclusion of PBA players, saying the GIlas players were, "less-skilled," kids and the pros would have the capability to do better.  One of the strongest PBA-backed national teams played the Jones Cup last year, so I took a look at the numbers.  Going by team records, Powerade (PBA) finished 7th overall with a 2-6 win-loss record.  GIlas, as menioned finished 4th with 3-3.  It should already say something about Gilas that they needed less games to get to three wins, right?

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Broadcast Comm 101: THE Interview (part 1)

When I started this blog, reaching 100 posts became quite a big deal for me.  (Thanks btw, Tibibord for your humbling post.  I'm posting the link because it might help publicity for both our blogs.) As I was finishing my last Top 10 "Top 10," however, the greater concern became how I could make my next 100 better.  I still am not sure I can, but I know I'm starting way better than my first post.

It was my complete honor to conduct this interview with one of my broadcast heroes, broadcaster extraordinaire Sev Sarmenta, who was also my college professor.  Sarmenta, who is actually celebrating his 25th anniversary as broadcaster this year, does commentary for various sports, which include boxing and basketball, and he has been around the world to cover the Olympics and the Asian Games as well. 

Fifty Peso Seats:  Among all the sports you have covered, which sport/event would you say is your favorite?

Sev Sarmenta: I can do basketball, volleyball, and tennis reasonably well because i've played these games. in fact, i still try to play at the college covered courts at the Ateneo at least twice a week with the staff.

Boxing is something i learned to do over the last decade.  It helped I was a fan and Manny Pacquiao made boxing come to life.  Golf, I wish I could do more often because it is also a complex sport disguised as simple.

Basketball will have to be the favorite simply because of its complexity.

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