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France’s Risacher chosen by Hawks with top pick in NBA Draft

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National Basketball Association Commissioner Adam Silver shakes hands with French basketball player Zaccharie Risacher (R) during Round One of the 78th edition of the NBA’s annual draft at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, on June 26, 2024. Risacher was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the first overall pick in Wednesday’s opening round of the NBA Draft. (AFP)

 

NEW YORK – France’s Zaccharie Risacher was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the first overall pick in Wednesday’s opening round of the NBA Draft.

The 19-year-old forward, who stands 6-foot-9 (2.06m), was the second Frenchman in a row to be chosen number one after Victor Wembanyama was taken by the San Antonio Spurs with the top pick last year.

“It’s a blessing, you know,” Risacher said. “So exciting. There are a lot of feelings and emotions right now. I don’t know what to say but it’s definitely special.

“For three years, what I have been through, and my family is here — I’m so happy. This is amazing.”

Risacher helped spark JL Bourg to this year’s EuroCup final, which was won by Paris Basketball.

He became the second-youngest player to be named the EuroCup Rising Star and last month was named the French league’s 2023-24 Best Young Player after averaging 10.1 points and 3.8 rebounds in 22 minutes a game for JL Bourg.

Another Frenchman, 19-year-old 7-foot (2.13m) center Alexandre Sarr, was selected second overall by the Washington Wizards.

Sarr played last season for the Perth Wildcats of Australia’s National Basketball League.

After two seasons with Real Madrid’s youth team, Sarr moved to the United States for two seasons and then spent the 2023-24 campaign with Perth, averaging 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 17 minutes a game.

“Everywhere I played it just built me for this moment,” Sarr said. “It’s so special.”Sarr’s 25-year-old brother Olivier is a center with the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder.

“He shared a lot with me. Everything I’ve learned is through him,” Sarr said. “He gave me all his knowledge. It’s truly special to have someone like him in my corner.”

It marks only the third time in NBA history that the top two picks in the draft have not had US college experience.

The sky is the limit for talented French rookies after “Wemby” went on to be named the NBA Rookie of the Year and led the league in blocked shots last season.

The Hawks finished 10th in the Eastern Conference last season at 36-46 and lost to Chicago in a play-in game.

Washington had the second-worst record in the NBA last season at 15-67.

Houston, with the third selection, took University of Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard, whose parents were both standouts for the same school, his father a US national college champion.

“I’m super excited. This is awesome. Unbelievable,” Sheppard said. “I’m super thankful.”

Sheppard, who turned 20 on Monday, averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 2.5 steals a game. Led US college players with 52.1% shooting from 3-point range

Castle joins ‘Wemby’

With the fourth pick, San Antonio selected 19-year-old guard Stephon Castle of US national college champion Connecticut. He had 11.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists a game for the Huskies last season.

“I learned how to win so I’m coming in with that mindset,” Sheppard said. “To have a teammate like (Wembanyama) next to you, I feel like it opens up the floor so much for you to go and expand your game. I can’t wait to get out there.”

Bronny James, the son of LeBron James, was seen as a possible selection but more likely to go in the second round, which will be conducted on Thursday.

James, a 19-year-old guard for Southern California, averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists in 25 games last season.



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Los Angeles Lakers 39-year-old superstar LeBron James, a four-time NBA champion, has said he would like to play alongside his son next season.

Gorayab relishes ‘good options’ for Capital1’s No. 2 pick

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Capital1 Solar Spikers Roger Gorayeb during the PVL Rookie Draft combine. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Capital1 coach Roger Gorayab is happy to have a number of “good options” with the Solar Spikers holding the No. 2 pick in the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft set for July 8.

Gorayeb knows exactly what he is looking for in a player who could potentially change the fate of the Solar Spikers, who joined the PVL just earlier in the year.

“Of course, I’m happy because I have good options. I’m thankful we got lucky with the second pick.” said Gorayeb, who attended the final day of the combine on Wednesday at GameVille Ball Park. “

LIST: Applicants for the first ever PVL Rookie Draft

“I’m looking at the height, the one who could fit into my system, the one I think can adjust easily, that’s what’s good.

With Thea Gagate emerging as the presumptive No.1 pick of ZUS Coffee, Gorayeb has two players in mind for the second pick but he didn’t disclose them to avoid preempting the draft he has high hopes for the aspirant, who will be part of his team.

“We have [target player], but we need to discuss first. I will study which one will benefit us more. It’s a secret for now.,” he said.  “I see a big help this player can give us, and I will train her well. I already have someone in mind.”

Gorayeb is also eyeing to add more players to their young roster in the succeeding rounds, looking to add a middle blocker and a libero. 

READ: PVL: Set for No. 2 pick, Capital1 also parades Russian spiker

“We’re focusing now on the second round. What should we pick, a middle or a libero? We’re a bit short in that area. The middle position is very important,” the veteran coach said.

“We need an immediate threat in the middle so our outside hitters can have space. Without a threat in the middle and just focusing on outside sets, our attackers will be blocked often.”

Even before the PVL Draft, Gorayeb signed Shola Alvarez and Julia Ipac from Galeries as well as veteran setter Iris Tolenada as they look to rise from a 1-10 record in the All-Filipino Conference.

“Shola is a big factor, especially since I’m used to her from when she was my player before. She’s comfortable with me, and Jorelle, her former teammates, are still there. Shola is a huge asset offensively. Even defensively, she’s solid. Our team’s composition is really coming together nicely,” the Capital1 coach said.

“I really expect us to elevate our game by two to three levels.”

Gorayeb is also pleased with Russian import Marina Tushova’s connection to her teammates, especially to setter Tolenada.

“Marina easily jelled with us because she’s almost the same age as the younger players. Our bond with her became really good. She also blends well with the players like a local. She’s not picky,” he said.



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“She fits in perfectly because Iris [Tolenada] is a huge asset. Her leadership and experience bring a lot to the team.”

Galeries eyeing outside spiker at No. 3 in PVL Rookie Draft

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Galeries Tower coaching staff at the PVL Rookie Draft combine.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Galeries Tower looks to continue building its young lineup through the 2024 PVL Rookie Draft on July 8 as it targets a scorer for its third pick and also eyeing a setter and middle blocker in the succeeding rounds.

The Highrisers coaching staff, led by coach Lerma Giron and deputy Godfrey Okumu, were in full force on the final day of the draft combine at GameVille Ball Park on Wednesday.

They already have names on top of their minds but they didn’t divulge to protect their target players.

“We could get one of those positions. The setter, outside spiker, even an opposite, or a middle blocker. These players really add value because they’re just coming into the PVL. They’re new. The difference will be the one who settles first are the one who will add more value to their teams,” said Okumu, whose squad earned the third pick in the lottery.

“I think there’s a lot of talent. As I’ve said before I came to the Philippines, there’s a lot of talent in Philippine volleyball,” he added.

READ: Thea Gagate to be picked No. 1 by ZUS Coffee in PVL Rookie Draft

The Kenyan coach said their priority is an outside spiker, who can be a game-changer for their team, which only had a total of four wins in the past two All-Filipino Conferences. 

“In our team, we hope that the person we will get will come in settled and get to know the team better. That’s the most important thing, building the team together. With the people who are in and the people coming in,” Okumu said.

Okumu said that they will also bring a Brazilian outside spiker as an import but he didn’t disclose the name as the management will announce it in the coming days. 

READ: PVL: Alyssa Eroa grateful for chance to shine with Galeries

“We have a Brazilian girl, she’s coming in soon and we hope that she can fill the gap of one of the outside spiker positions. We cannot name it for now, we wanna make it official. Sometimes in the Philippines, we like fiesta. We wait for the right time like we have a big feast, we eat, and then we name names. I think it’s cool,” he said.

With a chance to bolster their roster through the PVL draft, Okumu is optimistic about the Highrisers’ future in the pros. 

“Last season, when we started, we had new players and we didn’t have time to train together with the new players so by the team the league was coming to an end, that’s when we were kinda getting to know each other, and beginning to work together. That’s why there’s a struggle in the beginning and by the end it is strong. That’s why we believe this time, we will start strong,” he said.



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NBA draft could be ‘special’ night for France

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Zaccharie Risacher from France, who played for JL Bourg basketball club, speaks to the press during a press preview for the 78th edition of the NBA’s annual draft at the Lotte New York Palace in New York, on June 25, 2024. The draft will be held June 26 and June 27, 2024. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)

NEW YORK — Alex Sarr was born in France and spent last season playing in Australia. Zaccharie Risacher was born in Spain and is coming off a breakout season in France.

The next step in their global basketball journey is the NBA, with one of them potentially heading to Atlanta on Wednesday night as the No. 1 pick in the draft.

“We grew up together, competing against each other, and now we are here in New York for the draft and it’s one day to realize our dream, you know?” Risacher said Tuesday. “So this is special.”

It’s a special time for France, which could have the No. 1 pick for a second straight season after Victor Wembanyama went to San Antonio last year amid enormous expectations and lived up to the hype in a Rookie of the Year season.

READ: French Zaccharie Risacher has best odds to be NBA draft top pick

Neither Sarr, Risacher (pronounced Ree-zah-shay) nor anyone else will arrive with that type of promise, part of the reason the 2024 draft has long been viewed as a weak one. It’s unclear which way the Hawks will lean, or even if they are focusing on the two French players.

“For us, I feel like this is a great class, to be honest,” said Isaiah Collier, a guard from USC, where he was a teammate of LeBron James’ son, Bronny James.

“Everybody says it’s weak and everything like that, but for us I think it’s wide open because there’s a lot of good players and nobody really knows who’s at the top.”

Alexandre Sarr NBA draft

Alexandre Sarr, French professional basketball player who last played for the Perth Wildcats of the Australian National Basketball League, speaks to the press during a press preview for the 78th edition of the NBA’s annual draft at the Lotte New York Palace in New York, on June 25, 2024. The draft will be held June 26 and June 27, 2024. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)

They will find out at the start of what this year becomes a two-night draft. The first round will be held as usual at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and the second round moves Thursday to ESPN’s Seaport District studios.

Much of the speculation surrounding the Hawks’ choice since they won the draft lottery last month initially focused on Sarr, a well-traveled 7-footer from Bordeaux, France, who began his pro career in Spain with Real Madrid’s youth team. He spent two years in the U.S. playing with Overtime Elite, a developmental league, and last season was with the Perth Wildcats in Australia’s National Basketball League.

READ: NBA draft: France’s Alexandre Sarr, UConn’s Clingan headline big men

He should soon be able to settle in somewhere, whether it’s back in Atlanta — where Overtime Elite is based — or Washington, Houston, San Antonio or Detroit, the teams that round out the top five spots.

“It’s been a long journey of me changing a lot of countries and now I know that I’m going to be probably in the same place for a couple of years, so it’s really exciting,” Sarr said.

His basketball existence is hard to imagine for one of the players he could be competing with for the No. 1 spot. Fellow center Donovan Clingan, who has worked out for the Hawks, has spent his entire life near his birthplace of Bristol, Connecticut, where he went to high school before helping UConn win back-to-back national championships.

“I can’t imagine traveling all over the world, just being away from your family and stuff,” Clingan said. “Just feels like his whole playing career really, ever since he was a young kid, just being on the move. So I’ve been lucky enough and blessed enough to have an opportunity to continue to stay playing in Connecticut, but I’m really excited to move away and start a new chapter.”

College teammate Stephon Castle is expected to join him in the top 10 picks, and Kentucky also could have a pair of players go early in freshmen guards Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham.

But that is nothing unusual for college basketball powerhouse programs. Kentucky had six players selected in both 2012 and 2015, the most in the two-round draft format that began in 1989, and the Huskies once went 2-3 in the draft with Emeka Okafor and Ben Gordon in 2004.

But this is a whole new deal for France — or any country other than the U.S. If Sarr or Risacher is taken first, it would mark the first time that the draft went consecutive years without the No. 1 pick being someone who played at an American college.

They were teammates on France’s team that won a silver medal at the 2023 Under-19 World Cup, with Risacher scoring 13 points in a victory over the U.S. The 6-foot-9 forward also spent two seasons in France playing for ASVEL — owned by French Hall of Famer Tony Parker — and he was a one-time teammate of Wembanyama.

Now he could be France’s next No. 1 — unless an old friend beats him out.



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“It would mean a lot,” Sarr said. “I played with Zaccharie three years in a row, I’m really close with him, so I’m really happy for him and I think it’s really special for France in general.”

New coach Charles Lee out to turn around struggling Hornets

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New Charlotte Hornets NBA basketball team head coach Charles Lee, left, is introduced by Charlotte Hornets general manager Jeff Peterson during a news conference Tuesday, June 25, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Steve Reed)

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — Charles Lee joked that his wife thought he was a little crazy when he decided to step away from his job as a single stock equity trader on Wall Street to become a full-time basketball coach.

Turns out it was a pretty good career move.

Since walking away from Bank of America in 2012 to coach at Bucknell, Lee has gone on to win two NBA championships as an assistant coach, including last week with the Boston Celtics following 2021 with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Now, at age 39, he gets his first crack at being a head coach at any level with the Charlotte Hornets, a perennially disappointing franchise that hasn’t been to the postseason in eight years — the longest active drought in the NBA — and hasn’t won a playoff series in nearly a quarter century.

But like leaving Wall Street, Lee isn’t scared of a new challenge.

READ: NBA: Steve Clifford ends tenure as Hornets’ winningest coach

He feels with the support of his wife Lindsey and a strong family structure behind him, he can conquer just about anything.

He called the Hornets a “talent-rich group” with plenty of unrealized potential, even though they won just 21 games last season.

“We have a very, very good team here,” Lee said. “We’ve been snakebit with some injuries. … But this group is focused on the right things. The expectations are that we are going to compete every night, whether it’s a home game, road game or whoever is playing. This is going to be a group that is together offensively and defensively, no matter who is on the floor.”

Lee’s introductory news conference on Tuesday came nearly seven weeks after being hired to replace Steve Clifford, who announced late last season he was stepping away from coaching.

Lee has been busy pulling double duty since, helping Jayson Tatum and the Celtics reach the ultimate goal while also spending time developing relationships with his new players in Charlotte, as well as evaluating personnel ahead of this week’s NBA draft and the upcoming free agency signing period.

READ: NBA: Hornets shut down LaMelo Ball for rest of season

Hornets general manager Jeff Peterson said he was “blown away” by Lee during his interview and after talking with members of the Bucks and Celtics organization about him.

“He’s an excellent communicator,” Peterson said. “He’s competitive. He’s constantly trying to figure out ways to get better. I know that at night he goes to sleep thinking, ‘how can I make the Charlotte Hornets better?’ And, he’s a winner.”

Hornets forward Grant Williams was one of about a dozen players to attend the news conference, joining LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.

Williams believes Lee’s winning pedigree has already got the attention of his teammates.

“It definitely carries some weight, some respect, because he knows what it takes to win it all,” Williams said. “He was the associate head coach on both championship teams, so he had a direct impact in the development and style of play. He’s been around a lot of greats and he will do wonders for guys like LaMelo and Brandon, who are trying to be special.”

Lee’s addition completes some dramatic changes in the Hornets organization over the past 12 months.

Since Michael Jordan sold the team to Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin last August, the Hornets have hired a new general manager, a new head coach and traded several of their veteran players, including Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward and P.J. Washington.

They drafted Miller, who has shown star potential.

There are also major renovations underway at the Spectrum Center, which forced the news conference to be moved to a rented building in Charlotte less than a mile from where they play home games.

Lee offered no guarantees on when the Hornets might return to the playoffs, but he likes the attitudes of the players he has met and senses they’re willing to “buy in” and do anything to get things turned around.

“What I can say to the fans is that when I went through the interview process, Gabe, Rick and Jeff made it clear they want this to be one of the NBA’s premier franchises,” Lee said. “… The things that we can promise from this team is that they’re going to be very competitive, they are going to be focused on what we can control with our daily progress, process and effort.”

Williams, for one, said he believes the Hornets are about to turn things around.



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“The energy is shifting here. You can just feel the vibe,” Williams said. “And I think people are going to be really shocked here by how soon it is going to happen.”

Josh Giddey embraces fresh start with Bulls

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Oklahoma City Thunder’s Josh Giddey plays during an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

CHICAGO — Josh Giddey is looking forward to a fresh start in Chicago.

The 6-foot-8 guard from Australia confirmed Tuesday he did not want to come off the bench for Oklahoma City and insisted he appreciated Thunder general manager Sam Presti’s honesty leading up to the trade to the Bulls last week for Alex Caruso.

“I’m 21 years old, it wasn’t something that I was overly eager to do,” Giddey said during a videoconference. “He completely understood. And just throughout the whole process, we were open and honest with each other. And I said to him, ’Look, coming off the bench at this point in my career, it’s not something I’m trying to do and take a reserve role. He got it. And we worked together through the whole process, and he got me to a great spot.”

READ: NBA: Josh Giddey didn’t want to come off the bench, prompting trade

Giddey is coming off a challenging season in which his numbers dropped and he lost his starting job in the playoffs. He goes from a team that went 57-25 to earn the top seed in the NBA Western Conference and reached the conference semifinals with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren leading the way to one that missed the playoffs for the second straight year.

Giddey said he hasn’t discussed his specific role with the Bulls, though it’s hard to envision him coming off the bench in Chicago if he didn’t want to do it in Oklahoma City.

Presti said in a statement last week that the Thunder saw him in a reserve role next season in order “to maximize his many talents and deploy our team more efficiently over 48 minutes.” He said Giddey had a tough time with that idea and asked to be traded.

“The one thing about him that I really respect is his transparency,” Giddey said. “And he’s very open and honest with players and especially with me throughout this whole process.”

Giddey was the No. 6 overall pick in 2021 and he made the All-Rookie second team. He is a member of Australia’s national team that will play at the Paris Olympics this summer. He is an exceptional passer and his size makes him a solid rebounder.

READ: NBA: Thunder trade Josh Giddey to Bulls for Alex Caruso

Giddey averaged 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists in his second season, but those numbers dropped to 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 2023-24.

Giddey was also often booed on the road after an anonymous social media user accused him of having an improper relationship with an underage girl, leading to investigations by police in Newport Beach, California, and the NBA.

Newport Beach police completed their investigation in January and said detectives were “unable to corroborate any criminal activity.” The NBA also later dropped its investigation.

“I completely understand the question and I know you’ve got to ask as part of your job, but I’m not going to comment on anything regarding that situation,” Giddey said.

The trade for Giddey was the first move in what could be a busy offseason for Chicago, which owns the No. 11 pick in the draft on Wednesday. Executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas vowed to make changes after the team he constructed finished 39-43.

Six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan is a free agent. Zach LaVine might be dealt after playing in just 25 games before having season-ending foot surgery, though the five-year, $215.16 million extension he signed following the 2021-22 season could make him tough to move.

It’s not quite clear how the guard rotation will play out with Giddey added to a mix that includes Coby White coming off a breakout season and Ayo Dosunmu in a key role. Lonzo Ball could also figure into it, though he’s been sidelined since January 2022 because of a left knee injury. He has said he expects to be ready for the season opener.

Giddey said he didn’t discuss with the front office if the Bulls were retooling or undergoing a major overhaul.



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“In terms of what direction the franchise is going, I haven’t asked any questions,” he said. “I’ve just kind of bought into whatever happens here, happens. And, I’ll probably play my part in helping our team be as good as we can be right from the jump.”

Fil-Canadian libero makes case for roster spot in PVL combine

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Fil-Canadian libero Aleiah Torres during the PVL Rookie Draft combine.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino-Canadian libero Aleiah Torres excelled in several tests in the first-ever PVL Rookie Draft Combine, achieving a group-best 50 reps in the one-minute pushup and recording the fastest time in the modified agility T-test with 5.98 seconds on Tuesday at GameVille Ball Park in Mandaluyong City.

The Brock University product is among the 47 aspirants hoping to earn a roster spot from the 12 PVL teams in the inaugural Rookie Draft on July 8 at Novotel.

Torres, whose parents lived in Cavite and Tarlac before she was born and raised in Canada, applied for the draft, wanting to be part of the PVL’s growth and emergence as one of the country’s top leagues.

“I really like watching the teams here. The crowd’s really exciting. Everyone’s always involved when they’re watching the games,” she said. “I just thought it is super exciting and being able to play in the Philippines is just super special for me since I have lots of family here.”

In fact, Torres is hoping to meet Petro Gazz’s reigning All-Filipino MVP Brooke Van Sickle, Choco Mucho star Sisi Rondina, and her fellow Filipino-Canadian Savi Davison of PLDT.

READ: Almonte hopes to redeem self in PVL after down final year with Adamson

The 5-foot-4 libero, who started playing volleyball at 12 years old, is bringing her championship experience from Canada to the PVL.

“I played club volleyball and then I played in a university at Brock. I played for the varsity team there. We were really successful, we won three championships so hopefully I can bring my experience and my winning championship and mindset to whatever team I get drafted to,” Torres said.

READ: Unheralded player from Marinduque chases PVL dream

Torres, though, is tempering her expectations in the upcoming draft. All she can promise if a team drafts her is her athleticism, steady floor defense, and high volleyball IQ.

“I don’t really have too many expectations. I just came to have a lot of fun and play really good volleyball. Hopefully, I can contribute to whatever team I get drafted to and just experience everything that the Philippines has to offer,” she said.

“I think as a libero, I can read the game really well especially from the backcourt, playing defense and seeing what my teammates should be doing up in the net. I’ll let them know how many hitters they have or attack, what’s open for them. So, I think I really have high IQ on the court, good leadership, and just I think I’m really fast so I like to chase down some balls.”



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‘Fully recovered’ Leila Cruz gets chance at comeback

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Leila Cruz during the PVL Rookie Draft combine.-MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — After recovering from an ACL injury, Leila Cruz is determined to continue her volleyball journey in the pros through the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft on July 8 at Novotel.

Cruz, who injured her ACL last year when La Salle ruled the UAAP Season 85, decided to throw her name in the draft after bidding farewell to La Salle since she’s almost done with her undergrad studies and ready to open a new chapter in her volleyball career, which was stopped for a year.

“My recovery progress was very slow but it was okay. That’s why I wasn’t able to play last season. But now, I’m fully recovered [since February],” Cruz told reporters in Filipino on Tuesday at the Draft Combine at GameVille Ball Park.

READ: Thea Gagate to be picked No. 1 by ZUS Coffee in PVL Rookie Draft

“One big factor I left La Salle is because I’m almost done with my undergrad. I think it’s time to take the next step, which is turning pro.”

The La Salle starting opposite spiker, who sat out this year, said the Lady Spikers including coach Ramil De Jesus accepted her decision like Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel, and Maicah Larroza.

“It was super okay for them because the first thing I did was to talk properly to my coaches and teammates. Our relationship is super ok,” she said.

Cruz is grateful to have the combine for giving her a chance to prove herself, especially in the scrimmage on Wednesday, since she has not seen action for more than a year.

READ: La Salle’s Leila Cruz suffers right knee ACL injury

“I didn’t have any appearance last season. I guess it’s my chance tomorrow to show my skills and training for the past few months,” she said.

Cruz said a team has expressed its interest in her but didn’t name the squad.

Regardless of the team that will choose her on draft day, Cruz is ready to play her heart out.

“What I can offer is my willingness, especially since I’m just coming back from an injury. I know that I still have to learn so I will show my willingness to learn and to be a better player so I can help my team,” she said.



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Gilas coach Tim Cone praises ‘ageless’ Alex Cabagnot

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FAMILIAR FACES. (From L-R) Taiwan Mustangs coach Chris Gavina, Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone, Taiwan guard Alex Cabagnot and Gilas assistant Richard del Rosario catchup during Gilas’ exhibition game against the Taiwan Mustangs at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone felt the nostalgia in the air at Philsports Arena on Monday.

Cone had a chance to catch up with some familiar faces when Gilas faced the Taiwan Mustangs in an exhibition game. One of those names was former PBA star Alex Cabagnot, who now plays for the Mustangs after starring in nine championship runs with San Miguel Beer.

“Alex is ageless,” said Cone of the 41-year-old veteran after Gilas beat Taiwan, 74-64.

READ: Gilas Pilipinas beats Taiwan Mustangs in tune-up before OQT

“He’s absolutely ageless. He can step into a team right now and still contribute any way he wants to at this point.”

Cone, the most decorated coach in the PBA with 25 championships, has had countless battles with Cabagnot ever since the heady guard entered the league as the second overall pick by defunct Sta. Lucia in the 2005 PBA Draft.

Alex Cabagnot Tim Cone Gilas Taiwan Mustangs

Taiwan Mustangs guard Alex Cabagnot watches the ball during a tune-up game against Gilas Pilipinas as coach Tim Cone looks on at Philsports Arena in Pasig.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

On Monday, Cone was reminded of just how difficult it was to slow down Cabagnot.

READ: Gilas coach Tim Cone says Scottie Thompson presence ‘irreplaceable’

Cabagnot finished with 13 points, seven rebounds and four assists for Taiwan.

“He’s been an awesome player after all these years. He’s just really tough to defend, a lefty and crafty. He’s tough,” said Cone.

Cone and Gilas now head to Latvia for the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament, where the Filipinos shoot for a spot in the upcoming Paris Olympics.



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Senate OKays Palaro bill on second reading

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FILE PHOTO: Facade of the Senate building, GSIS Complex, Pasay City. INQUIRER PHOTO/LYN RILLON

The government is making sure that identifying future sports heroes won’t be hit-or-miss, approving Senate Bill No. 2514, or the Philippine National Games (PNG) bill, on second reading following the proposed inclusion of significant amendments as it moves a step closer to being passed into law.

“This is very important in our quest to consistently discover more Filipino athletes capable of qualifying to the Olympics,’’ said Sen. Bong Go, the principal sponsor and author of the measure.

“Since the PNG serves as a national mini-Olympics, potential athletes from far-flung areas will now have a platform to showcase their talents on a regular basis in their bid to compete for the national team,’’ added the Senate committee chair for sports and health.

Unpredictable

The hosting of the PNG, which is usually bankrolled by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) in collaboration with the national sports associations under the Philippine Olympic Committee, has become unpredictable in previous years.

The PSC finally staged the PNG, featuring the majority of the 30 Olympic sports, last year at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila and at PhilSports in Pasig City, five years after being stored in the freezer following the 2018 edition in Cebu City.

Once the national games become law, it will be held consistently every two years just in time before every Olympic qualification cycle with a budget of its own from the national government through the PSC.

The proposed bill includes the PNG’s role as one of the country’s national sports competitions apart from the annual Palarong Pambansa, the national sports fest for elementary and high school student-athletes, under the Department of Education.

The PNG is open to all aspiring national team wannabes. INQ



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