BuzzerBeater Forums

Pilipinas U21 Preview: Bringing it up to 11

Team Pilipinas is starting its preparations against tournament favorite Taiwan hours after their win against Singapore. The Nationals are snakebit against the Taiwanese, and they hope to change that next week.

“We’ve studied their plays and got their game tape. Hopefully we can get a win against them. We have taller players, but they have a well-rounded squad. Let’s see what happens next.” Coach Jeorge said in an interview at an undisclosed YMCA practice facility. “I want the boys to focus and learn their lesson from the game against Singapore. We lost all offensive flow in the first half, and if you want to beat a team like Taiwan, you cannot afford to have lapses like that. Our gameplay has to be up to 11 at that point.”

Pilipinas U21 Preview: One call to stardom

It is said that luck happens when preparation meets opportunity. For Patrick Osano, he is still waiting for that opportunity to be called to the U21 team.

At 21 years old, Osano is posting career high averages in points (15.6), rebounds (7.2), assists (2.7), and steals (1.4) in 13 games for his mother team this season. He scored a career-high 27 points last Saturday, and posting a highly efficient clip of 56% from the field and 42% from behind the arc this season.

“I am prepared to represent and play for the country. I have learned to hone my craft and grow as a man. With the many rookies this country produces every season, I am proud to be considered as an aspirant for the nation’s basketball team,” said Osano after a practice session with the team at the Velasco Hall. “Only 12 to 15 are chosen to represent (the U21 team) out of the thousands of eligible players. With the talent that is out there, you hope you have the skills to get noticed. If I don’t make it now (to the U21 team), hopefully I get to enhance my skills enough to represent the seniors team.”

He has his phone with him at all times, all it takes is one call from the National Team for his aspirations to turn into reality.


Last edited by fpanzer10 at 02/07/2021 13:40:32

Team Pilipinas Public Service Announcement: We want YOU

In light of the recent purge that led to managers getting banned for allegedly cheesing the system, Team Pilipinas (U21 and NT) is looking for active managers who would like to share their stories on development or highlight the success of their player.

The idea to create a series centered on player profiles and stories (similar to ESPN’s 30 for 30), and I would like to hear from you. I do not need to know the current stats of your player, you may forward that to our U21 and NT coach. I am interested in knowing your story instead.

Send me a PM if you are interested.

FPZ


Last edited by fpanzer10 at 02/03/2021 02:02:22

U21 Report: Encomienda sends Valentine’s Day gift to the wrong address

For Ron Encomienda, what started as a plan to give his girlfriend a surprise present ended in total disaster.

Encomienda was found wandering outside the Bauhinia Apartments, where the Pilipinas U21 is currently staying Friday night. His girlfriend, known food critic and model Bella Jacinto, has ties with the family that manages Bauhinia Apartments. “It was an honest mistake. I misread the room number. How was I supposed to know there is also another ‘Bella’ there?” he said while sitting outside the building. “What am I supposed to do now, how unlucky am I?”

Ron bought his girlfriend a diamond necklace and one dozen roses to celebrate the U21 team’s win against Singapore. It would have been the perfect Valentine’s Day gift, if only it was sent to the right room.

Encomienda gave instructions to a third-party delivery service to send the gifts to Room 1558, which was occupied by current social media sensation Bella Poarch. Bella Jacinto was staying at Room 1585.

No one from the team was available to comment on the matter.


Last edited by fpanzer10 at 02/06/2021 04:15:08

U21 Press Release: On to the next round!

The Pilipinas U21 team suffered its first loss of the season tonight against 7th ranked Taiwan, 67-83 in this season’s Asia Championship Tournament. “We were outplayed today by the better team. We had a lot of missed opportunities, and you cannot win games if you are severely outrebounded,” Coach Jeorge said during the post game conference. “We could not execute our offensive plays tonight, we might as well build houses for the homeless with those bricks. It is now time for us to regroup and look forward to our next match as we advance to the next round,” a visibly upset Jeorge said before leaving.

The Taiwanese clearly dominated the inside game, outrebounding the Filipinos 66-46; three of their players finished the game with a double-double (Tang Zixing, Zheng Sai Tai, and Gao Tza Yeow). It was unfortunate the Filipinos could not capitalize on the Taiwanese channeling their inner Oprah, giving away turning over the ball 14 times against the Philippines’ 6.

Merchenito Dagiagnao and Dobbie Obillos finished the game with 13 points each to lead team Pilipinas.

The loss yesterday was a blessing. It will lead Pilipinas U21 to Pool E, in which Australia U21 is the only opposing legit contender for winning Gold this season in our pool. If we were to win that matchup yesterday, we will be at pool D, along with China U21 and Hong Kong U21. So it is good that we lost, Pilipinas U21 and Australia U21 in pool E, while Taiwan U21, Hong Kong U21, and China U21 in pool D. But whatever the matter is, the real battle will be after the second elimination round.

Last edited by Alonzo Hood at 02/09/2021 00:45:03

Pilipinas Special Report: Filipino communities cheer NT and U21 teams

In a move of solidarity, Filipino communities in Bulgaria and Hong Kong displayed their support for the U21 and NT teams as they arrived at their accommodation in Sofia and Sheung Wan respectively.

Pushing the limits of social distancing protocols in the city, as many as 60 supporters were waiting outside of the Hyatt Regency in Sofia to great a visibly dejected Seniors squad as they alighted from the team bus. The team was surprised to see people waving the flags of the country while singing “Noypi” by Bamboo. Others were raising “We Believe”, “Laban, Lord Woody” and “Laban, Pilipinas” banners while cheering the team on as they enter the hotel lobby.

“I do not know what to say. That was a tough loss (vs Bulgaria), but we have to focus on the next round. I am happy to see our fanbase come over to support us despite the loss. As a naturalized coach, I am honored to have experienced the hospitality of the Filipino people,” Coach Lord Woody said.

“It’s nice to see your kababayans believe in you even after you played a bad game. That gives us the motivation to do better,” said shooting guard Kidlat Calabria. He finished the game yesterday with 10 points in 19 shots, including 0 of 10 from behind the arc. A couple of fans managed to get to Calabria, giving him a show of support and a hug before he entered the hotel.

In Hong Kong, Pilipinas supporters lined up on Connaught Rd Central to cheer the U21 team bus as they headed to their place they’re staying at after losing against Taiwan, 67-83. A loudspeaker started playing “Puso” by Sponge Cola the moment U21 players and staff started to alight from the vehicle. They were greeted by supporters raising placards that read “Laban Pilipinas!”, “Pilipinas U21 #1”, “We love you!”

“The support is unbelievable, I promise you we will do everything we can to win,” said Coach Jeorge.

Both teams spent 15-20 minutes to thank the people who attended before entering their respective lodging to prepare for the next round.

Our first draw in the second round is Australia magkasubukan na. If we win that game we will get first seed in our pool. If they win most likely sila ang first seed. If everyone takes care of business most likely after that game alam na natin ang trend ng second round. We need better GS from everyone. Malaking tulong ang sports psycho if you have a nt player please get 1 kahit advanced or higher before training update tom. This game is 1 vs 2 in our pool. This is the strongest Australian team we will face as far as i can remember, They beat China in the first round. Again, we are expected to win and do well. Im sure Australia is thinking the same thing. Good luck sa atin lahat.

Great win, guys! The boys manage to overwhelm the Aussies. Difference maker, blocks and free throw shooting. Keep it up!

U21 Press Release: Pilipinas beats Australia, 74-58

As the final buzzer sounded, the Pilipinas faithful ran to the court and celebrate their first win in the second round of the Asia U21 Championship Tournament.

What was supposed to be a high scoring game turned into a battle of who can get to the free throw line more. Both teams could not find their shot at all, Pilipinas finished the game with a 36% clip from the field, while Australia finished the game with a 28% clip. Additionally, Team Pilipinas also missed all their three-point attempts, to the disappointment of Coach Jeorge. “I do not know how we missed all our shots from behind the arc. Looks like we have to practice more with our shooting,” Jeorge said during the post-game conference.

It was the free throws that did it for Team Pilipinas, converting 71% of its free throws (20/28). Australia finished the game with a dismal 21% from the free throw line (3/14). “I really think we got lucky against Australia. I mean, how bad can you be to miss 11 of 14 attempts from the line? Ben Wallace and Chris Dudley have a better percentage than them? I find that to be incredible,” Jeorge said before leaving to catch the team bus.

The Philippines is schedule to play against 35th seed Thailand on Monday, February 22.

Sidebar:
1) #labanPilipinas is now trending 5th in BB-Twitter

2) Bella Jacinto says “Sorry” to Ron Encomienda, wishes to get back together with the cager

Hello guys !

Guess who comes to play next monday.