Tag: good odds

Snubbed by first choice, Lakers resume coaching search

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Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka before an NBA basketball game between the Golden State Warriors and the Lakers in San Francisco, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers must continue their latest coaching search with the basketball world already knowing their first choice turned them down.

The Lakers have endured their share of embarrassments in recent years, but a snub by a college coach — even the best in the game — is among the roughest setbacks yet.

Dan Hurley met with the Lakers last week and then rejected their very public courtship Monday. The coach probably emerged from his dalliance with the leverage to finish a lucrative new contract at UConn.

READ: NBA: Dan Hurley turns down Lakers offer, will stay at UConn

But what’s next for the Lakers, a franchise with 17 NBA championships, a world-renowned brand, two of the sport’s top players and no head coach?

They must resume a search that has stretched well into its second month since Darvin Ham’s firing May 3 and has yet to produce a slam-dunk choice. Nearly every leaked discussion of the Lakers’ search included three top candidates — each of whom would have arrived on the West Coast with question marks.

Although Hurley is one of the most respected names in the sport after the Huskies’ success over the past two years, he’s never worked in the NBA. Former player J.J. Redick has never coached at all, and James Borrego has been an NBA head coach for 4 1/2 seasons without ever making the playoffs.

Redick and Borrego are still candidates to run the Lakers, which would seem to be one of the most desirable jobs in sports — but the charitable interpretation of this current search is that owner Jeanie Buss and general manager Rob Pelinka are struggling to find the right fit for their vision.

READ: NBA: Lakers conduct public coaching search in hopes of pleasing LeBron

Many fans are wondering whether Buss and Pelinka have a vision at all, what with the Lakers’ years of roster upheaval and mediocre supporting casts around LeBron James. They’re also wondering whether each passing week increases the chance that the 39-year-old James will turn down his $51.4 million contract option later this month and become a free agent.

The Lakers last won a championship when James and Anthony Davis raised the trophy in the Florida bubble four years ago, and they’ve tried to maximize their chances in the remaining years of James’ career by changing coaches and/or jettisoning multiple players after nearly every failed season.

This hire might be their final chance to get the right coaching staff for James — and Hurley’s rejection clearly hurts.

Hiring Redick would be a major risk, albeit with a significant potential upside. It’s unclear whether Redick would even want to disrupt his burgeoning career in media for the stress of a head coaching job.

READ: A look at NBA head coaches on LeBron James-led teams

Borrego represents management experience and coaching pedigree, but he has yet to distinguish himself in a top job — and he’s also a candidate for Cleveland’s vacancy.

The Lakers are expected to talk to other candidates in the days ahead, perhaps widening their search to include names not even currently in the discussion. But they probably can’t even default to arguably the most experienced, most successful veteran NBA head coach currently on the free-agent market.

That’s because Frank Vogel won a ring with the Lakers in October 2020 and got fired exactly 18 months later.

Vogel wasn’t even the Lakers’ first choice in 2019: According to multiple reports, the Lakers nearly hired Tyronn Lue before the deal fell apart over money and the front office’s desire to have a say on his staff. Lue ended up with the Clippers, where he remains. That negotiation has remained an embarrassment for the Lakers even after their fallback choice won a championship.

After firing Vogel in 2022 when Pelinka’s veteran-laden, injury-plagued roster missed the playoffs with a humiliating 33-49 record, the Lakers went through another six-week search before settling on Ham. The once-and-future Milwaukee Bucks assistant clearly didn’t impress the front office or his players enough to keep his job even after two winning seasons, two playoff berths and a Western Conference finals appearance.

‘Still underdogs’ Meralco Bolts keeping guards up

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Meralco Bolts during Game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Holding a 2-1 series edge over San Miguel Beer doesn’t change the fact that Meralco is still the underdog in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.

Bolts rookie Brandon Bates made it clear: No lead is safe, especially against the mighty Beermen.

“We’re not excited. Even though we’re up 2-1, Ginebra was up 3-2 against us, I remember, and look what happened there. At any given moment, it could be taken away,” said Bates after Meralco pulled off a 93-89 Houdini act in Game 3 on Sunday.

READ: PBA Finals: Meralco countering San Miguel depth with defense

“We’re not taking this for granted. We’re not satisfied. Until we get the fourth win, it’s all nothing.”

Bates knows that the worst thing Meralco could do at this point is to let its guard down.

Brandon Bates Meralco Bolts PBA Philippine Cup Finals

Meralco Bolts rookie Brandon Bates during Game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“Our coaching staff is big on us not being complacent and not having some swagger coming into the games and things like that. We’re still the underdogs,” said Bates, who scored two points and grabbed five rebounds but had a hand in forcing June Mar Fajardo to turn the ball over seven times.

READ: PBA Finals: Brandon Bates not letting the spotlight get to him

“Regardless of whether we’re up 2-1, we’re still the underdogs so we have to have that chip on that shoulder. We have to understand that.”

Bates and the Bolts go for a commanding 3-1 advantage on Wednesday.

Sisi Rondina apologizes after SB19 remark

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Sisi Rondina during the AVC Challenge Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Alas Pilipinas star Sisi Rondina apologized to the fans of Filipino boy band, SB19, after her comment during the Independence Day celebration in South Korea on Sunday drew the ire of the group’s supporters.

During the event, Rondina and other Alas Pilipinas members were interviewed on stage and asked about which performance they were looking forward to.

Rondina said some of her teammates were looking forward to SB19 but admitted she’s not familiar with the group.

READ: Sisi Rondina pushes away self doubts to help Alas Pilipinas to bronze

“Personally, hindi ko talaga sila (SB19) kilala. I mean, hindi ko alam ba. I’m really sorry,” Rondina said.

Rondina’s remark did not sit well with SB19 supporters including a fan base called A’tin, which went on a social media tirade against the volleyball star.

“Kaya sa lahat po ng na-offend ko, sorry po. Sorry po talaga. Inaatake na po ako ng mga SB19 fans kaya sorry po. Hindi ko po intensyon yun.”

The volleyball community defended Rondina after receiving hateful comments from SB19 supporters.

Two of SB19’s members, Stell and Pablo also urged their fans to stop the hate toward Rondina.

Rare talent Carlos Alcaraz on way to ’30 Grand Slams’

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Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz celebrates with the trophy after winning against Germany’s Alexander Zverev at the end of their men’s singles final match on Court Philippe-Chatrier on day fifteen of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros Complex in Paris on June 9, 2024. (Photo by Dimitar DILKOFF / AFP)

Carlos Alcaraz’s triumph over Alexander Zverev at the French Open on Sunday marked the latest chapter in a story predicted to end with “30 Grand Slam titles.”

The 21-year-old has become familiar with setting landmarks.

When he won his maiden Slam title at the US Open two years ago he became the youngest champion of a men’s major since storied compatriot Rafael Nadal at the 2005 French Open.

READ: Carlos Alcaraz plays down chasing ‘impossible’ Nadal, Djokovic records

He also became the youngest man to ascend to the world number one ranking. His Roland Garros coronation makes him the youngest to win Grand Slam titles on clay, grass and hard courts.

“I have a special feeling at this tournament, because I remember when I finish school I’m running to my home just to put the TV on and watch the matches here in the French Open,” Alcaraz said.

He is the eighth Spanish man in history to win at Roland Garros.

“I wanted to put my name on that list of the Spanish players who won this tournament. Not only Rafa. (Juan Carlos) Ferrero, (Carlos) Moya, (Albert) Costa, a lot of Spanish players, legends from our sport that won this tournament.”

The modest, muscular star from the small Murcian town of El Palmar in Spain’s south-east hit the giant-killing jackpot at Madrid in 2022 when he became the only man to defeat both Nadal and Djokovic at the same clay-court event.

READ: Carlos Alcaraz overcomes Zverev to win first French Open title

For good measure, he achieved it on back-to-back days on his way to the title.

“Carlos’s intensity and speed is something you rarely see,” said Rafael Nadal’s uncle and former coach Toni Nadal.

‘Never gives up’

“His game follows the same path as Rafa; he never gives up until the last ball and has that characteristic intensity.”

Nadal was also 19 when he won the first of his 22 Grand Slam titles at Roland Garros in 2005.

However, Nadal has always pleaded with fans not to put pressure on Alcaraz by making bold comparisons.

“I forgot what I was like at 19,” said Nadal. “The only thing we can do is enjoy the career of an extraordinary player like Carlos.

“If he manages to win 25 Grand Slams, it will be fantastic for him and for our country. But let him enjoy his career.”

Despite Nadal’s reluctance, making comparisons is unavoidable.

Nadal won the first of his 92 titles at Sopot at the age of 18 in 2004.

Alcaraz, who learned the game at a tennis school run by his father, was also 18 when he captured his maiden ATP trophy at Umag in 2021.

READ: Carlos Alcaraz hopes of dream Olympic doubles with Rafael Nadal

Both men are fiercely protective of their private lives, enjoy passionate crowd support and build their games on steely defense and thrilling, flamboyant attack.

Nadal famously fought out a five-hour and 53-minute Australian Open final in 2012, only to lose to Djokovic.

Four years earlier, he won his first Wimbledon crown in a four-hour 48-minute epic against Roger Federer in a match widely hailed as the greatest Slam final of all time.

‘Competitive kid’

“I know that I am a very competitive kid. I compete whenever I play anything — golf, petanca,” said Alcaraz. “I don’t like to lose.”

At his side is his coach Ferrero, the 2003 French Open winner who also took the number one ranking at the US Open later that year.

“I would love for Carlos to win 30 Grand Slams. There will be a lot of chances,” said Ferrero, who began working with Alcaraz when he was just 15.

Alcaraz was already winning junior European and Spanish titles in lower categories under the guidance of Albert Molina, an agent with IMG.

Molina established the Alcaraz-Ferrero partnership.

Ferrero then brought Alcaraz into his academy in Valencia, 120km from El Palmar.

His raw potential soon attracted sponsors, with marquee brands such as Nike and Rolex rushing to sign up Nadal’s heir apparent.

The tennis team around the prodigy was also expanding and soon included a physical trainer, a physiotherapist and the support of psychologists and doctors.

An indication of his potential was obvious at the Rio clay-court event in 2020 when he was just 16, and ranked 406 in the world, he shocked Albert Ramos-Vinolas to register his first ATP win.

Alcaraz and Ferrero have developed a deep professional and personal bond.

That relationship was sealed when Ferrero, having returned home following the death of his father, quickly crossed the Atlantic again just in time to see Alcaraz win his first Masters title at Miami in March two years ago.

“Let him flow, let him play,” said Ferrero when asked to plot his pupil’s future trajectory.

For Alcaraz, the sky is the limit as he goes in search of a career Grand Slam in Australia next year.

De Brito extension raises questions on Veloso status

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Jorge Souza de Brito leaves up his post as Akari coach. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

With Jorge Souza de Brito earning an extended stay with the women’s Alas Pilipinas, there has been some ambiguity as to what will happen to the supposed reshuffling of the national team coaches.

“After careful thought, consideration and consultation with the PNVF (Philippine National Volleyball Federation) board, I would like to officially announce that we would like to retain coach Jorge until the SEA (Southeast Asian) Games 2025,” PNVF president Tats Suzara said in a statement released to the media.

Sergio Veloso was touted to take the place of de Brito when his contract end with Italian Olympic mentor Angiolino Frigoni supposedly taking the coaching duties for the men’s team up to the FIVB (International Volleyball Federation) World Championships here in 2025.

READ: Jorge Edson Souza de Brito stays on as Alas Pilipinas coach

So the question arises: What will happen to Veloso now?

“I will be able to give you some information after the meeting with the PNVF,” Veloso told the Inquirer when asked about his fate.

Unprecedented bronze

De Brito led a hastily built women’s national team to a historic and unprecedented bronze medal finish in the previous Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenge Cup held here.

The women Nationals, composed of young and seasoned players led by skipper and playmaker Jia de Guzman, knocked down all of their preliminary assignments before Kazakhstan halted their winning streak but managed to still finish on the podium after defeating Australia.

That prompted the PNVF to extend de Brito’s stay even before his contract was set to expire at the end of this month.

Veloso, on the other hand, achieved only moderate success with the men’s squad, which had a lackluster stint in the recently concluded AVC Challenge Cup in Manama, Bahrain.

The Alas men’s team was swept by China and the host in their preliminary meetings before earning its lone win against Indonesia in the classification round.

The Filipinos then ended up in the tenth spot like last year after losing to Asian powerhouse Thailand, also in the classification phase.

For now, Veloso will still get to stay in the country as he also calls the shots for the Ateneo women’s volleyball team in the UAAP. INQ

PH baseball eyes bigger prize

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Returning to the international stage last year with a flourish, the Philippines brought home the Baseball Federation of Asia (BFA) East Asia Men’s Baseball Cup and looks to do so again with higher stakes on the table.

The Filipinos ruled the 2023 version of the tournament in Bangkok, Thailand, and a repeat act in Clark, Pampanga, from Oct. 26 to Nov. 3 will galvanize their participation in the Asian championships, which offers a possible route to the world championships.

“If there’s a tournament where we want to compete in, this certainly is the one,’’ said Philippine Amateur Baseball Association president Chito Loyzaga in hosting the continental qualifier.

The two best countries in the seven-nation meet will advance to the 2025 BFA Asian Baseball Championships where world No. 1 Japan awaits them along with South Korea, Chinese Taipei and China.

Beside the Philippines, national squads from Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Cambodia are vying for those spots.

“We have the advantage. Besides playing on our field, we ranked better against these countries,’’ said Loyzaga.

“But we shouldn’t be too confident, we know that these nations are building up for the tournament, especially Hong Kong and Thailand,’’ he added.

Two more teams from the west Asian region will join the eight-country continental championships, after which the medalists progress to the U-23 Baseball World Cup 2026.“The group where we will land in the Asian championships is critical. If you ask me, I prefer us to be grouped with China, which will give us a chance,’’ said Loyzaga. INQ

NBA Finals 2024 Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks

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Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, right, fends off Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving during the second half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals 2024 on Thursday, June 6, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

The Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks dispute the Larry O’Brien Trophy in a best-of-seven NBA Finals series.

The Celtics, who finished with the best record this NBA season, hold the home-court advantage in the series against Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks, who are back in the Finals for the first time since 2011.

Boston reached the NBA Finals after sweeping Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference while the Mavericks disposed of Minnesota Timberwolves in five games over at the West.

Meralco escapes San Miguel for 2-1 series edge

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Meralco Bolts’ Chris Newsome shoots during Game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals against the San Miguel Beermen.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Meralco played splendid basketball on both ends on Sunday night for a gutsy 93-89 Game 3 victory over San Miguel and a 2-1 lead in the PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven championship series.

The Bolts saw all of their starters finish in double-digit scores while clamping down on the Beermen’s top guns in yet another tightly-contested duel at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

“Looking at the stats, 15 lead changes, 16 times tied. You could just see how close these games are. I thought we were OK with our execution [tonight],” said coach Luigi Trillo, whose charges aptly rebounded after narrowly losing to the defending champions, 95-94, in the previous encounter last Friday night.

READ: PBA Finals: Meralco quickly moves on from Game 2 heartbreak

Chris Newsome delivered 26 points, including an open corner triple and two charities late in the game that proved to be the cushion that Meralco needed to prevail.

Raymond Almazan had 17 points–his finest this series–and had 13 rebounds. Bong Quinto chipped in 16 more into the scoring effort while Chris Banchero and Cliff Hodge pumped in 10 each.

Mo Tautuaa had 19 points to lead all of the Beermen, while CJ Perez was limited to just 18 points after top-scoring with 34 in the previous meeting.

READ: PBA Finals: San Miguel survives Meralco to tie series

Game 2 hero Marcio Lassiter and reigning Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo added 12 points each, while Don Trollano and Jeron Teng also finished in twin-digit scores.

“We won, but we’re not satisfied with our last three, four minutes,” said Trillo, who pointed out how much tidying up Meralco has to do to sustain their run in this showdown for the prestigious Jun Bernardino trophy.

Meralco will try to annex a second-straight win and put its fancied foe in a bind in Game 4 set this Wednesday, again at the Big Dome.

The Scores:

MERALCO 93 – Newsome 26, Almazan 17, Quinto 16, banchero 10, Hodge 10, Maliksi 8, Torres 2, Pascual 2, Bates 2, Rios 0, Caram 0

SAN MIGUEL 89 – Tuatuaa 19, Perez 18, Lassiter 12, Fajardo 12, Trollano 11, Teng 10, Cruz 7, Ross 0, Brondial 0, Enciso 0

Quarterscores: 28-24, 48-46, 71-70, 93-89

Newsome, Merlaco deliver own dagger in Game 3

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Chris Newsome and the Meralco Bolts after beating the San Miguel Beermen in Game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Meralco defeated San Miguel in Game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals in familiar fashion on Sunday night.

With the game on the line, Chris Newsome drilled a go-ahead triple from the corner with 34 seconds to go that turned out to be the dagger in the Bolts’ 93-89 escape for a 2-1 lead in their best-of-seven title series.

“To be honest,  I wasn’t thinking. I was just being in the moment,” said Newsome.

“It felt good that my shot did fall but at the end of the day, you can’t let your guard down until it [the clock] says 0:00.”

READ: PBA Finals: Meralco escapes San Miguel for 2-1 series edge

Newsome’s shot was reminiscent of Marcio Lassiter’s 3-pointer with 13 ticks remaining that capped the Beermen’s late rally in the final 30 seconds of Game 2.

Newsome finished with 26 points, four rebounds and four assists. He came alive in the second half, where he fired 20 points.

Despite his heroics that include a pair of free throws to seal the game, the 30-year-old swingman put more emphasis on playing smarter especially down the stretch.

READ: PBA Finals: Meralco quickly moves on from Game 2 heartbreak

“It’s about staying present and focusing on possessions at hand. I hate turning the ball and having those mental lapses,” said Newsome, who committed a turnover with a minute left that led to a couple of freebies by June Mar Fajardo for an 89-88 San Miguel lead.

“Those are things I could look at after the game and I can’t let that affect me in the next play. My team’s counting on me to be strong for them and to be a leader for them.”

Fortunately for Newsome, he was able to redeem himself in a major way and win it for Meralco.

Chinese, Leyann Ramo seal Ironman 70.3 Subic glory

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Leyann Ramo.–Photo from Ironman

SUBIC – Chinese Peng Cheng Li and local standout Leyann Ramo delivered outstanding performances at the Ironman 70.3 Subic Bay, demonstrating remarkable speed, strength, and endurance in their victories here Sunday.

Li maintained a commanding lead throughout the race, finishing with an impressive time of 4:20:05. His dominant performance saw him outpace Great Britain’s Christopher Weeks by a substantial margin of 10 minutes in the challenging 1.9km swim, 90km bike ride, and 21.1km run event.

Weeks finished in 4:30:18, while August Benedicto, a local favorite, secured third place in 4:34:21.

READ: Filipinos eye strong showing at Ironman, 70.3 races in Subic

Li’s performance was particularly notable during the closing run stage, where he dashed to the finish with an energy that belied the grueling nature of the half-triathlon race.

The Ironman Philippines and the IM 70.3 Subic drew over a thousand triathletes from 54 countries, underscoring the global appeal of the Ironman Group-organized event. The two races also offered qualifying slots for three World Championships, including the ongoing full-distance race featuring a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride, and 42.2km run.

Peng Cheng Li Ironman Subic

Peng Cheng Li.–Photo from Ironman

Li, who placed sixth in the full Ironman Australia last year, set a strong pace early in the swim leg with the fastest time of 28:38, establishing a two-minute lead over Weeks.

Transitioning to the bike leg, the 33-year-old multi-age group winner in 70.3 races extended his lead with a time of 2:21:38. He capped off his performance with a powerful finishing kick during the run, completing it in 1:23:58.

Li’s performance mirrored his winning effort at the Ironman 70.3 Korea in 2019, highlighting the consistent discipline he has maintained over the years.

Meanwhile, Ramo showcased impressive form despite fluctuating weather conditions, including intermittent sunshine and overcast skies. She set the pace with a swim time of 00:30:57, maintained her lead during the bike leg with a time of 02:45:42, and concluded strongly with a run time of 01:47:06, securing the women’s overall crown with a total time of 05:07:33.

“Teamwork makes the dream work,” said Ramo, proudly representing Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte.

READ: Svetlana Kovaleva top women’s Ironman PH bet

Winner of the Ironman 70.3 Puerto Princesa last year, the 31-year-old Tri SND Barracuda spearhead expressed heartfelt gratitude to her family, teammates and province for their unwavering support in her latest triumph.
Israel’s Hadar Shahar finished second with a time of 05:16:04, posting leg times of 00:32:38 (swim), 02:46:26 (bike), and 01:52:53 (run). Hong Kong’s Ruby Cheng claimed third place in 05:23:57, with respective times of 00:29:44, 02:49:23, and 01:58:32 in the swim, bike, and run segments.

Ramo also earned the age-group title in the 30-34 division ahead of Cheng while Shahar topped the 25-29 category, culminating a significant triathlon weekend that included the Underpants Run and the Choco Hero Ironkids.

Weeks began strongly with a swim time of 00:30:26, followed by a bike time of 02:22:41, and concluded the run in 01:33:27, finishing with a total time of 04:30:18. Benedicto, winner of the Ironman 70.3 Cebu in 2022, completed the swim in 00:34:26, the bike in 02:23:48, and the run in 01:32:49, finishing at 04:34:21.

The top three male finishers also ruled their respective age-group categories: Li claimed the 30-34 age group, Weeks secured the 35-39 trophy, and Benedicto won in the 40-44 division.

Benedicto also narrowly edged out Thai top triathlete Jaray Jearnai in both overall and age-group standings, with Jearnai finishing in 04:37:08 with leg times of 00:30:23 (swim), 02:26:56 (bike), and 01:35:16 (run).

Furthermore, the top 25 male triathletes from the ongoing full-distance race earned coveted spots in the Kona, Hawaii World Championship scheduled from Oct. 22-28. Additionally, the top 15 female athletes secured qualification for the IM World Championship in Nice, France, set for Sept. 24-28.

The IM 70.3 Subic Bay also offered 45 age-group qualifying slots for the Vinfast IM 70.3 World Championship in Taupo, New Zealand, on Dec. 14-15, with 15 slots reserved specifically for female participants.

In relay competitions, Go for Gold Team I topped the men’s event in 04:05:20, beating Isabela Tri Club (04:10:02) and Go for Gold Team 2 (04:19:17), while Isabela Tri Club topped the mixed relay in 04:25:29, and the Isabela Tri Club Girls ruled the women’s side in 05:04:32.

Other division winners were Kenneth Bonda (4:45:49), and A.R. Toroganan (4:40:05) in 25-29.