UFC 141: Overeem wins and Lesnar retires

Follow my blog at www.sydrified.org!

Alistair Overeem is an angry Englishman.

In his UFC debut, he wants to impress. Unfortunately for these PRIDE and Strikeforce guys, they tend to suck at the start of their UFC career. Blame this on age, skills, and wear and tear but it often looks and feels like that for a lot of guys.

Brock Lesnar sucked as well. He was maimed by Frank Mir in an embarrassing debut of a musclehead from a make believe combat sport that thinks he has the beef and the brawn to act monstrous.

But Lesnar, once dubbed as WWE’s Next Big Thing, returned to glory and made an impact in the world of mixed martial arts.

Overeem battles Lesnar in UFC 141!

Winner gets a shot at UFC Heavyweight Champ Junior Dos Santos.

Game starts now!

ROUND ONE:

Lesnar feels Overeem’s overhead right. Lesnar catches Overeem but can’t take the Englishman down. There’s blood in Overeem’s eyes. Overeem answers with a lot of knees to Lesnar’s ribs. Overeem is manhandling Lesnar – putting him on the gutter numerous times. Lesnar was hurt a bunch of times and then Lesnar gets caught with a kick to the liver. Lesnar falls down and Overeem went berserk! Overeem punches the hell out of Lesnar and while Brock covered the head punches, he was not returning them. One punch to the body from Overeem was enough to signal Mario Yamazaki (the Japanese version of Super Mario) to end the match.

POSTFIGHT:

It’s a tale of two careers. Overeem will embark on a UFC career while Lesnar has announced to end his. Overeem is going to manhandle Dos Santos if his demolition against Lesnar is a sign of things to come. Meanwhile, Lesnar has had a lot of career-threatening injuries. UFC is proving to be a brutal playground to gain fame and recognition. With a UFC Heavyweight Championship reign and a 5-3 win-loss record, I am guessing that the best scenario for Brock Lesnar…

… Is to return to the WWE.

Yes, Brock can go to the WWE and Vince McMahon will tell every wrestler in the locker room that Lesnar’s stomach is untouchable. Brock is still a great heel persona waiting to happen and WWE can use him in either Raw or Smackdown because of its extremely thin main event circle. Amongst the wrestlers that embarked on a MMA career like Kurt Angle, Bill Goldberg, Bobby Lashley, and Dave Batista, Lesnar was the most successful. Maybe the wonders of fighting in the octagon will make him a more rounded fighter in whatever future work he wants to accomplish which is the same thing I will also say with regards to Overeem. That kick was just superb and I can see the heavyweight division going on the way of the Ubereem.

Let’s just hope for the best of their future endeavours.

Game over.

Durant is the OKC Man

A day after having a shouting match with Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant tells us and Russell, who’s the man in OKC.

KD Memo noted.

BTW, nice job JT for the slow and late switch and Marion for not trying a little harder in fighting the screen. Can’t give a super clean look for a top 3 NBA player.

 

World’s coolest Ice Skater? A Pinoy!

Read more

NIKE BASKETBALL INTRODUCES CHRISTMAS COLORS

Special colors of Nike’s key signature basketball shoes will debut on the feet of Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Amar’e Stoudemire on Christmas day.

Christmas day has become the canvas for special Nike Basketball colorways and the 2011 Christmas Day games are sure to delight basketball fans around the world.

Kobe Bryant will push the boundaries by wearing a purple and lime green version of the Nike Zoom Kobe VII System (Attack Fast) with special graphics representing the speed of the leopard with red laces. LeBron James goes a bit more traditional with a red upper, white midsole and green lace version of the LEBRON 9. Kevin Durant will wear a metalized-effect version of the Nike Zoom KD IV inspired by copper cookie cutters. And Amar’e will sport a predominantly green version of the Nike Air Max Sweep Thru paying heritage to New York’s Christmas Day uniforms.

Additional technical details of each Nike Basketball signature shoe include:

Nike Kobe VII System Supreme edition features a performance system that allows players to customize the shoe, switching ankle support and midfoot cushioning. Two interchangeable insert options are offered to match their style of play. If a player’s game is based on speed, there is the Attack Fast insert that features a Phylon midsole with Nike Zoom units that combined with low-cut, power-stretch cuff offers the ultimate in lightweight responsiveness and support. For games that get intense and physical in the paint, there is the Attack Strong insert. It offers a full-length Cushlon midsole and an ankle cuff for a plush, comfortable ride with great support. The Nike Kobe VII design also tells a predator story that’s inspired by Kobe’s predator-like instinct on the court.

LeBron 9 is the first Nike shoe to combine Flywire technology and Hyperfuse construction in the upper. A midfoot harness that wraps around the foot incorporates Flywire 3.0 technology that adds strength and lock down support to breathability and durability. This lightweight upper mimics the speed and strength symbolic of LeBron’s game. The finely-tuned midsole provides a unique hybrid cushioning system by combining Max Air 180 in the heel for absorption on impact with a Nike Zoom unit in the forefoot for a springy response.

Nike Zoom KD IV incorporates the new Adaptive Fit system that provides a superior lock-down fit and lateral support. The combination of Hyperfuse on the upper, Nike Zoom unit in the forefoot and low collar design offers lightweight, low-profile responsive cushioning and optimal support and flexibility which makes this a versatile shoe for multiple positions on the court. Created with direct insights from Kevin Durant and his lineage, the Nike Zoom KD IV pays tribute to his team and family with design details.

Nike Air Max Sweep Thru has a lock-down fit made to support and cushion for explosive play with a blend of stability and comfort. An adjustable strap at the midfoot provides a snug, secure fit while the Max Air unit in the heel offers incredible cushioning and impact protection. Additional features include a leather upper for a supportive and comfortable fit, a herringbone pattern and pivot circle on the outsole for traction during multidirectional movement, and perforations at upper for enhanced breathability.

Before the year ends: The Rookie Rankings

There is an extended version of this article and you can see this by clicking THIS LINK!

First up, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

With that said, six teams have already been eliminated in the All-Filipino Cup. Starting January 4, the Talk N Text Tropang Texters will face off against the Petron Blaze Boosters and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters will fight the Powerade Tigers in separate Best-of-7 semifinal matches.

This means PBA action will get a little fiercer…

And there are a handful of rookies to further boost their stock for the Top Rookie Plum.

Game starts now!

10 SHOPINAS.COM / MAGI SISON
LAST WEEK # 10
4.3PPG • 5.0RPG • 0.8BPG
He is extremely thankful to be drafted by Shopinas. The former UP Maroon and Smart-Gilas mainstay is first in the Clickers in terms of blocks and third in the team in rebounds. For all rookies, he also ranks third in rebounds and first in blocks.

9 POWERADE / RUDY LINGGANAY
LAST WEEK # 9
5.9PPG • 2.1RPG • 2.5APG • 1.0SPG
Just when you think Lingganay was forced out of the rotation with the emergence of JV Casio, he finds ways to make himself valuable. With Celino Cruz ejected and Casio suffering from cramps, Lingganay stepped in and orchestrated perfectly in lieu of their giant-killing win over B-Meg.

8 ALASKA / MAC BARACAEL
LAST WEEK # 6
10.6PPG • 3.4RPG • 1.4APG
Baracael needs to be consistent next conference. Aside from the usual Alaska elite that will get more touches, he will find himself complementing an import.

7 B-MEG / MARK BARROCA
LAST WEEK # 8
9.1PPG • 2.6RPG • 1.6APG • 1.1SPG
The Llamados were brought back to earth by Powerade but its still sky’s the limit for Mark Barroca’s potential. Little by little we are seeing that Roger Yap is getting eased out from his position. The only problem he needs to control is how Jonas Villanueva’s return will affect his current stature.

6 BARAKO BULL / DYLAN ABABOU
LAST WEEK # 4
11.4PPG • 4.5RPG • 1.0APG
Super Ababou dropped two places this week. With Barako Bull already eliminated, he needs to wait for the Commissioner’s Cup to resume his stellar play. He is the second leading scorer of Barako Bull after Willie Miller and playing well in the Commish Cup will finally make people think that he is not just a one-trick pony.

5 PETRON / CHRIS LUTZ
LAST WEEK # 7
18.3PPG • 2.7RPG • 3.2APG • 2.0SPG
Petron had it tough against Meralco especially with Alex Cabagnot reeling. Lucky for them, Lutz returned to action and played as if he never left. After missing his team’s seven games, maybe Lutz can catch up on the other newbies with their stats. All he needs to do is wish for a bad game from them, a good game for him, and an early elimination for them. It’s pick your poison time though. It’s either Paul Lee or Marcio Lassiter.

4 POWERADE / JV CASIO
LAST WEEK # 5
11.2PPG • 2.0RPG • 6.2APG • 0.8SPG
It took a while for JV (JVee to some) to climb out of the luckless bind he was in but when he did, it was at the right time. Don’t let his scoring average fool you – this is relatively low because of what happened in the first half of the All-Filipino eliminations. B-Meg experienced his array of bombs and what’s scary about him is his extremely high assists stat.

3 SHOPINAS.COM / JAMES SENA
LAST WEEK # 2
11.1PPG • 9.4RPG • 1.6APG
Sena banked on his impressive individual performance to at least save him of a Top 5 spot at the end of the conference. It could happen – but with the way the new blood are commanding the conference, he shouldn’t be that complacent.

2 RAIN OR SHINE / PAUL LEE
LAST WEEK # 3
13.7PPG • 4.5RPG • 4.5APG • 0.9SPG
Being a threat is a double-edged sword for The Lethal Weapon. It’s good because you know you have the goods to explode but its bad nonetheless because he attracts the double team. An example of which is the Elasto Painters’ series clincher over the Barangay Ginebra Kings. After he burned the Kings with 19 markers, the Kings cramped him with a bunch of bodies that made his production fall to eight.

1 POWERADE / MARCIO LASSITER
LAST WEEK # 1
16.3PPG • 5.6RPG • 4.0APG • 1.7SPG
This is the fifth straight week the California Swagger has seen the top of the draft. Lassiter has watched his health unlike Chris Lutz. His off-nights have been kept to a minimum unlike Paul Lee and JV Casio. And despite the fact that the Tigers heavily rely on Gary David in terms of scoring, Lassiter is the one having brilliant all-around performances. He is second among rookies in points, rebounds, and steals and he ranks third in assists.

By this time I think you’re getting my handle here. The rookie that gets more stats wins. So in order for Lassiter, Lee, Lutz, and Casio to move up in the rankings, they must play more. Lutz will help Arwind Santos, Alex Cabagnot, and the injury-riddled Petron Blaze Boosters against the defending champions Talk N Text Tropang Texters. Meanwhile Paul Lee’s Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and Powerade Tigers’ Marcio Lassiter will play each other in the other matchup. With Casio just picking up his game, I can only give a slight chance for him to move to the top spot at the end of the conference.

Let’s see how the rookies will do next year.

Until then…

Game over!

Wilt 20000, Kobe 105!

Did you see the NE report?

According to rumors, Vannesa told a friend that Kobe had affairs with 105 different women in the 10 years that they were married. Vannesa recently filed for divorce. Kobe’s wife has had enough! (You can look at it too that Vannesa made sure Kobe done filling up the bank and she’s ok with at least 100 million USD split purse. Kobe’s wife has had enough!)

If the rumor is true, we will see how Lakers and Bryant’s fans will react to this news. Will it affect his status and legend? Remember, Kobe got into trouble in Colorado years back and his star shone and is still shining brightly like nothing happened.

Speaking of rumors and legends, Kobe is still way off  Wilt’s 20,000 record. Kobe has time to get to 20K, dunno if he got the energy to do 19900 more!

Hey, let’s talk basketball here, here’s an update on Wilt and Kobe’s career scoring totals.

Wilt Chamberlain – 31,419 points (4th)

KOBE BRYANT – 27,868 points (6th)

Nick Fazekas, Petron Blaze Boosters Import?

Not yet done with the Philippine Cup, the Petron Blaze Boosters looks like ready to enlist 6-11 Nick Fazekas as their import for the next conference.

He is set to leave the NBA Development League and will fly in come mid January. If I get it right, the decision to play in the Philippine Basketball Association are mainly based on these factors:

1. He’ll earn more in the Philippines than playing for Reno Bighorns in the NBA D-League. “It’s a chance to play and make a little more money” said Nick.

2. He’ll put less stress on his troublesome ankle.

3. The PBA schedule is only 1 game per week! “It’s less games, which is easier for me, It was just a no-brainer,” said Nick.

4. Philippine teams provide housing, a driver and a meal allowance.

5. There are lots of American restaurants in the Philippines!

Good luck Petron fans!

via

NIKE KOBE VII SYSTEM SUPREME

Available starting December 26, the Nike Kobe VII System Supreme is a performance system allowing players to customize the shoe, switching ankle support and midfoot cushioning. The Nike Kobe VII System Supreme edition includes two interchangeable insert options allowing players to switch out the cushioning and ankle support to match their style of play.

Attack fast

If a player’s game is based on speed, there is the Attack Fast insert that features a Phylon midsole with Nike Zoom units in the forefoot and heel for the ultimate in lightweight responsiveness. It also has a low-cut, power-stretch cuff that hugs the foot for support. Its sock-like fit eliminates the need for a traditional tongue and innersleeve, keeping the shoe lightweight.

Attack strong

For games that get intense and physical in the paint, there is the Attack Strong insert. It offers a full-length Cushlon midsole and an ankle cuff for a plush, comfortable ride with great support. The sensory cuffs are made of an engineered power-stretch material that is padded and perforated for comfort and ventilation.

These two midsole options allow players to customize footwear during practice or in a game to meet their performance needs. The Nike Kobe VII System Supreme offers similar performance fit and feel as the Kobe V and Kobe VI, but offers a different look and includes additional performance customization. In addition to the customizable insert options, next-generation Flywire technology provides lock-down support, a 3-D heel clip offers enhanced support, and a glass reinforced composite shank in the midsole gives responsive midfoot support.

The Nike Kobe VII also tells a predator story that’s inspired by Kobe’s predator-like instinct. Predator patterns comes to life in the cast polyurethane outer shell as a “skin” simulating the look of three predator patterns mixed together – the Leopard, Great White Shark and Black Mamba. This raised skin pattern lives on each shoe.

Separately, a graphic pattern also lives under the “skin” on some colorways. These color graphics are available for five different predators – the Leopard, Great White Shark, Poison Dart Frog and Grey Wolf.

NIKEiD will bring full customization to the Kobe VII System this year, featuring multiple ways to build the system. Customization options include choices for fit, cushioning and colors. An exclusive sneak preview of the Kobe VII System iD debuts on December 12 via NIKEiD’s Facebook page. Full customization of the Kobe VII System and component insert is available beginning December 22 on NIKEiD.com.

Nike has partnered with the videogame NBA 2K12, from 2K Sports, to integrate the Nike Zoom Kobe VII System. Beginning December 22 within the NBA 2K12 videogame, the shoe will release in unison with key retailers. Additional Kobe VII colorways will launch in the game at key moments throughout the year.

In addition to the Nike Kobe VII Supreme System, the Kobe VII is also sold in the Attack Fast version featuring the low-cut cuff and Nike Zoom air, without the Attack Strong insert.

Nike Kobe VII System Supreme: Php8,195.00
Attack Fast and Attack Strong version. Comes with two midsoles and sleeve heights. The Attack Fast midsole contains Zoom Air in the forefoot and heel. The Attack Strong midsole is Cushlon, and contains no air.

Nike Zoom Kobe VII System: Php7,495.00
The Attack Fast version. Comes with a single midsole with Zoom Air in the forefoot and heel.

Powerade grew fangs

Barako Bull needs to drop their Energy moniker because Mr. Pure Energy Gary David is making their claim an understatement.

Gary David’s hands are just too goddamn hot.

Eight three points!?

TOO HOT!

Bataan’s version of a human hand grenade unleashed ten straight points for the Powerade Tigers in overtime to defeat the number one team B-Meg Llamados in overtime, 131-123. This is the series-clinching game that catapulted the eighth seeds as one of the top seeds. In the contest David scored 28 of his 37 points in the last 29 minutes. In the twice-to-beat scenario, David averaged 34.5 points.

Some might say El Granada is a shot-crazy ballhog. However, I beg to disagree.

This has been Gary David’s bread and butter every time Bo Perasol is in the coaching reins. It all started when Renren Ritualo was traded by Air21 to Talk N Text and it continued in Powerade. Mr. Pure Energy can dish the goods from the inside and the outside. He is a seriously streaky scorer and can rain on those troikas if left unguarded.

His tendency to explode makes his opponents weary of him. But unlike the Powerade roster from seasons ago, Gary David finally has backup.

Anyway, sans the mental lapse that almost completed B-Meg’s comeback, there is something different about this Powerade team. An example of which is when David was taken out in the final moments of overtime because of cramps, the team got valuable support from Marcio Lassiter. If David averaged 34.5 points in the series, Lassiter did it with 21.5ppg. In the do-or-die game, JV Casio exploded for 22 points and also averaged 15.5 points against B-Meg. And then there’s Doug Kramer who for the first time in his career, has become a legit starter and a double-double specialist.

Rudy Lingganay commanded the show with Casio riding the bench and Celino Cruz getting ejected after the altercation involving him and B-Meg’s Josh Urbiztondo. This incident instigated David to “hulk up”. Sean Anthony and Josh Vanlandingham also posted double-digit scoring outputs. And then in some ways, Will Antonio, Romel Adducul, Francis Allera, and Alex Crisano made significant contributions for the squad.

They survived the match despite Kerby Raymundo’s 26, Peter June Simon’s 25, and James Yap’s 23 points.

So what’s next for the Tigers?

I think Powerade is not ready for the Barangay Ginebra Kings. If they face Ginebra, this means the Kings won two big games against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and the last thing Powerade needs right now is a battle-tested and white-hot squad. I’m pretty sure, the crowd as well as Ginebra’s experience will play a major part as to why the Tigers will lose. It’s a different story as far as the Elasto Painters are concerned if they won their series with Ginebra. Animosity will be drawn with Kramer and Vanlandingham facing their former squad as well as Larry Rodriguez, JR Quinahan, and Ronjay Buenafe. When Yeng Guiao took over from Bo Perasol, Guiao restrained the scoring capabilities of Gary David. JV Casio and Paul Lee will also have their own battle as to who will banner the PBA’s future. Gabe Norwood’s defense will try to stifle Lassiter’s offense and David and Jeff Chan will engage on a shootout.

The last time Powerade was a title contender… the Tigers were still named as the Coca-Cola Tigers where the team was led by Jeffrey Cariaso and Rudy Hatfield and was backstopped by Johnny Abarrientos, Poch Juinio, Rafi Reavis, Reynel Hugnatan, Antonio, Ato Morano, and others.

Powerade is out to prove to everyone that what they did to B-Meg is no fluke.

The best way to prove the critics wrong is by winning the championship.

Are the Tigers ready to make the next step?

Game over.

Follow my blog at www.sydrified.org!

National Team 4 Life?

Check out the expanded version of this blog at www.sydrified.org!

Chris Tiu is looking forward to another tour of duty with the Smart-Gilas squad. He is looking for another shot to international glory – this time via the FIBA World Championships that will be held in Spain in 2014. The team has yet to name a coach but on the shortlist are incumbent mentor Rajko Toroman, Ateneo coach Norman Black, Talk N Text coach Chot Reyes, and B-Meg coach Tim Cone. This is nice and all because not all of us are patriots. Aldrech Ramos, a former Smart-Gilas standout is still a Patriot… but he’s the ABL version of it… as of this moment. Ramos could return for another shot at the qualifier alongside Gilas mainstay Greg Slaughter. Others considered are Kiefer Ravena, Bobby Ray Parks, RR Garcia, and Kevin Alas. Alas is currently honing his craft with the LA Slam.

But do you remember when Romel Adducul first arrived in the PBA as part of the ABC-All Stars? He arrived late in the game and he found out why the MBA was eating away his talent. Now what if Tiu decides to join the PBA with his glory days behind him?

Yes, Tiu is a successful philanthropist. Aside from his Gilas gigs, he is a host, product endorser, and entrepreneur. But he could have been a Top Five pick in any draft class after he graduated but he has stayed away from the PBA. Well, he did play in the PBA twice as part of the Smart-Gilas squad but we often wonder how the former Atenean gunner would fit in a team like Talk N Text, Meralco, or hell… Ginebra.

I get it. Chris Tiu is one of those people that doesn’t need the PBA to complete his basketball career. In some ways, this can be compared with Marian Rivera not posing for FHM. Tiu has already proven that he’ll rather follow the route of Caloy Loyzaga than a career a la Paul Lee. Danny Francisco and BJ Manalo are players who learned that there is life after college basketball. The only difference however is that these three have different circumstances. Francisco lost his chance to turn pro when he was diagnosed with a heart ailment and Manalo failed to embark on a PBA career when he was cut by Purefoods during his rookie season and has given up on his dream ever since. Tiu averaged 11.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in 11 outings and 37.5 minutes per ball game. Everyone thought Tiu is merely a shooter but that huge rebounding stat is something we shouldn’t shrug. The guy is a goldmine and every time he misses competitive action, his edge loses spark as well.

I think the best possible scenario for Tiu is to have him drafted by a pro-Pangilinan franchise like Talk N Text and Meralco. In some ways, they can also “bully” Barako Bull and Shopinas for a mid-level star and a couple of first round selections. Alaska and Powerade are also viable options since both squads are ready to shell out their talent for pride and country. The problem Team MVP needs to face is the SMC squads.

They’ll definitely “hostage” Tiu for a big name.

But hey, I just want to see if Tiu has what it takes to bring his game “professionally” to the PBA.

Game over!

Next Page »