Filipino Basketball Leagues

Let’s Play Basketball The Filipino Way

Although according to some survey soccer was the most popular sport around the globe. I wouldn’t contest that but for Filipino people they rather shoot the ball than to kick it. Indeed basketball was the most famous and well played sport in the country, if only basketball was not created by a foreigner maybe they will consider adopting it as their national sport. Their passion for the game was phenomenal as it is shown basketball courts can be find  everywhere, on streets, backyard, garage, on a tree, and even on little place that they can hang the hoop. Low economy doesn’t affect the fanatics from playing and they can even play with just their bare feet, that’s was enthusiast they are for the game of basketball.

The Excitement Of Collegiate Basketball

For international baller’s the hotness of NCAA March madness is one of the anticipated season due to the thrill and excitement that brings and the intensity was different since they carrying their University’s name and honor. However, in the Philippines they also have a collegiate basketball league which is also called it NCAA but are not directly related with the NCAA in America and were their local version. It fact it was founded in 1925 fourteen years before the US NCAA tournament was established. Compared to American NCAA having 68 teams to compete their league format was composed of only eight teams battling to win the prestigious collegiate championship. These university contenders with their corresponding monikers include:

1.   Arellano University – Arellano Chiefs

2.   Letran College – Letran Knights

3.   College of Saint Benilde – CBC Blazers

4.   Emilio Aguinaldo College – EAC Generals

5.   Jose Rizal University – JRU Heavy Bombers

6.   Mapua Institute of Technology – Mapua Cardinals

7.   San Beda University – San Beda Red Lions

8.   San Sebastian College - San Sebastian Golden Stags

9.   Perpetual University – Perpetual Altas

Let’s Play Pro

In this country maturation from amateur to pro is done just like what they do in USA. After graduating from college they can include themselves into draft to get picked, if not that lucky they can first go to a developmental league to hasten their skills and wait to be noticed. There is only one organization that is responsible for the developmental league and the pro league this is none other than Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). This organization was the oldest professional basketball league in Asia and second in the world after NBA. It was started in 1975 and its regulations are a hybrid rules from International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA). It was compose of 9 pioneer company banded franchised teams and not based on geographic locale which means that they don’t have the home court and the league just rent a basketball stadium to occupy during the games.

There are some league that tried to compete with PBA such as the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) where they set a completely new rules and format they even allow foreign nationals to play in their league. Natives supported this league since they love basketball but the success lasted for only five years due to lack of financial funding. PBA was now on its 37^th season and still going strong, a typical Filipino household would not be complete without watching their favorite PBA team playing.

Hottest Teams And Players

The starting years of PBA was an epic since each team are battling for hoop supremacy. Rivalries between the competing teams brought hypes to the game and the famous rivals are Crispa Redmanizers and Toyota Comets their rivalry was comparable to NBA’s long rival LA Lakers and Boston Celtics. However, because each team is company branded product franchised nobody can tell whether how long a team will last. At present all the pioneer teams was replaced by new team franchises. List of the pioneer teams and the present best teams includes:

Pioneers

·         Carrier Weathermakers

·         Crispa Redmanizers

·         Noritake Porcelainmakers

·         Presto Ice Cream

·         Royal Tru-Orange

·         Seven-Up Uncolas

·         Tanduay Rhum Makers

·         Toyota Comets

·         U-Tex Weavers

Present- Best

·         Petron Blaze Boosters (San Miguel Beermen) – 19 championships.

·         Alaska Aces – 13 championships.

·         Bmeg Llamados (Purefoods Tj Hotdogs) – 8 championships.

·         Ginebra Kings – 8 championships.

·         Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters – 5 championships.

During its 37 years of existence PBA was able to produced players that have a quality of a basketball superstar. Filipinos have indeed a talent in the said sport even though they lack in height compared neighboring Asian countries. They have the skills and the guts that made them exceed. During its 25^th year anniversary PBA announce their list of 25 greatest players in PBA history and was followed by a friendly game between the GOAT. Those that occupy the slot include:

1.   Johnny Abarrientos   

2.   Bogs Adornado

3.   Renato Agustin

4.   Francis Arnaiz

5.   Ricardo Brown

6.   Allan Caidic

7.   Hector Calma

8.   Philip Cezar

9.   Atoy Co

10.                 Jerry Codinera

11.                 Kenneth Duremdes

12.                 Bernie Fabiosa

13.                 Ramon Fernadez

14.                 Danny Florencio

15.                 Abet Guidaben

16.                 Freddie Hubalde

17.                 Robert Jaworski

18.                 Jojo Lastimosa

19.                 Lim Eng Beng

20.                 Samboy Lim

21.                 Ronnie Magsanoc

22.                 Vergel Meneses

23.                 Manny Paner

24.                 Alvin Patrimonio

25.                 Benjie Paras

Present- Best

1.   James Yap

2.   Jimmy Alapag

3.   Arwind Santos

4.   Gary David

5.   Laurence Tenorio

How Much Do Filipino Players Gets?

The profit of a pro basketball player in Philippines is luxurious enough than other professions. According to the new salary cap that was approved by the PBA boards the new salary cap was increased to 42 million a year, which means that a star players can get as high as 420,000 pesos a month depending on their performance which is equivalent to almost 10grand in US money. Although not as high as what Kobe gets, but still to earn 10 g’s a month is a lot.

For Hoop Junkies Around The Globe

For basketball enthusiast you can also follow this international league by their web site (http://www.pba.ph/) or by subscribing to Filipino channel. Here is some of the list that caters PBA games via live streams:

·         http://www.ikawpinoy.com/2008/05/watch-pba-live-streaming-link-1.html

·         http://mypinoy.tv/pba-live

·         http://www.pnoytv.com/2010/08/pba-live-online-stream-3.html

It’s more fun playing basketball in the Philippines. Do you know any international league aside from PBA? Share your inputs by hitting the comment box below.

Best Hairstyles In NBA

Top 10 Hairstyles In NBA

NBA players are are most of the time idolized and remembered with their fashion inside and outside the hard court. Players personalities are often seen through their hair style. It also reflects that way they play inside the hard court. As time goes by different types of hair styles are seen and imitated by fans around the globe. Here are the top ten best in NBA.

10. The Flattop 

9.  The Mop

8.  All Busines

7. The Dreads

6. The Mohawk

5.  The Masterpiece

4. The Gangster

3. The Iverson

2. The 'Fro

1. The Bald Head

Want It Fit Or Loose?

How Does NBA Jerseys Evolve?

As being part of basketball game itself jerseys made's team appealing to everyone watching. But how did jerseys differ from before and the present? I bet most of us hoop junkies knows the difference isn't it? The jerseys they used to wear before up to the end years of 80's were too short and basically tight fit. I think the primary reason for it was for greater mobilization. Showing most of the legs and the arms will allow to move freely without any inconvenience.

However, things change as soon as the new decade starts. They are now trying to revolutionized the way jerseys are. As soon as 90-91 season there was noticeable increase on the jerseys from shorts to tops. It was the image of having a tightly fit uniform is no longer more visible. As years comes along team uniform starts to be loose maybe influence by the hip hop generation. But is this more better that the retro fits? I think that it still depends on the players preference. Some may want it loose or others may want it tight, but if your going to asked me? I think semi loose might fit well since it is not that tight that will suffocate my johnson at the same time I can move freely with it.

How about you fellow junkies, which type of jersey do you like? The loose or the tights?

Ankle Breaker

Killer Cross Over Move
To be a effective in the game of basketball you need to have a variety of moves to eludes the defense. One of the best and hottest move to learn was the cross over. It is a effective move that if performs perfectly can break off the ankle of the one guarding you. It is first popularized in NBA and it continues to present day.

Who Started the Cross Over Move?
Although Allen Iverson popularized this move a lot, the first player that used this move in a real game was Pearl Washington and it was revolutionized since then. Some of the players of the previous and present player that posses this kind of move are:

1. Pearl Washington
2. Tim Hardaway
3. Allen Iverson
4. Dwayne Wade 
5. Derick Rose

There are bunch of guys out there that can make the move but these guys put the move at the pedestal. Some of them has the different techniques on how to do it but as for me Tim Hardaway's technique was the best and he is the one that started the hype about it. 

So what are we waiting for hoop junkies grab that ball and start breaking some ankles!

NBA Best Jerseys

Top NBA Jerseys

Jerseys serves as a one component in the game of basketball since they put identity to the team that was playing. The most copied jersey style was mostly from the NBA some of which are the retro once so lets dig to the top 5 best jersey in NBA.

1.San Francisco Warriors - Classic jersey that stood up from past and present uniforms. I doubt if somebody could beat this.

2. Los Angeles Lakers - Who could ever forget this jersey? It has a lot of championship memories from     the era of Wilt Chamberlain to present times probably one of the hottest jersey in town.

3. Washington Bullets - Combination of white, red, and blue lateral stripes makes this jersey unique. The concept was awesome that it would fit well to his "Airness" Mj itself.

4. New York Nets - Unbeatable jersey that was popularized by "Dr. J" Julius Erving itself. It somewhat resembles the American flag with red, white and blue colors accompanied by stars.

5. Miami Heat - This modern black and white heat jersey is one of the most sought after jersey this season. Its color brings simplicity and uniqueness to it. And no one else can fits it better than the big three Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, and Lebron James. 

Which of these jerseys you love the most?

The First NBA Kicks!

What Kicks That Started It All?

Shoes was a very important factor in the game of basketball. It supports the sole of your feet at the same time its provides a support to the ankle preventing any form form of injury to occurs. The Father of all basketball kicks was the original Chuck Taylor's by Converse they are the first best pair of kicks that was launched and used in 40's. It provide a lot of comfort for most of the basketball player at that time.

First To Launched A Signature Kicks?

The very first player to launched a signature shoes was "Dr. J" Julius Erving. He is the first one to take basketball shoes to the next level. It started back in mid 1972 the prime of Dr. J and everyone at the era wants to have a pairs of Dr. J which at that time was must have. The signature shoe of Dr. J was made by the same shoes company that made the Chuck Taylor's which is Converse. The hype continues as Magic Johnson and Larry Bird equipped themselves with pair of Converse as their rivalry continues.

1983 was the year when Nike launches their first shoe that was name Air Force 1. They equipped this shoes with the air sole which brings much comfort for the players as they move.

Era Of Jordan's

Way back 1985 is when the large collection of kicks was born. This was made to happen after the Nike Company select a then rookie Michael Jordan. It revolutionized the ways people look at basketball kicks. It was named after him and later become a shoes brand under Nike which was called air Jordan's. His shoe line was full of twist and colors that sometimes NBA making him fine for wearing a colorful pair of shoes. Moreover, this was the beginning of a much stylistic, more colorful and top of the line shoes that we have today. 

It's INSANE in NBA!!!

When Did Insanity Started?

This insanity in NBA was started when players posterized their opponents or in some cases make some magical and unbelievable moves to the basket. Some are categorized to their hotness during the game and they cant just miss a single shot or sometimes those that hits the staggering buzzer beater shots are considered to be insane. This world insane was started to be linked to a name of the player in early 00's and to the present. It is such a hype that every fans love the thrill every-time a player do some out of this world move. This insanity thing is becoming so popular that everyone wants to join the bandwagon.

Era of Vinsanity

Vinsanity was started as soon as Vince Cater a North Carolina native enters the NBA and play with the Toronto Raptors. But the nickname "VINSANITY" was called to him after her monstrous jams over jams and can't stop from posterizing everyone that blocks his way to the ring. Furthermore, it brings much more hype when he won the 2000 NBA All Star Slam dunk Champion as he showcase his high flying hot dunks that made the basketball all "Vinsane!" He did not won a championship yet but his legacy as the best dunker in the NBA still lives in heart of every basketball fans.

Era of Linsanity

After almost a decade a new star makes way to his to the center of the hype as the insanity continues. This time its not about the high flying moves but more of incredible passes, soaring lay ups and staggering buzzer beater shots. I'm referring to none other than Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin. Lin started his basketball career in Harvard University and begin his journey in the NBA in 2010 by playing in his hometown team Golden State Warriors. Although he does not achieved that much in Golden State he was then signed a contract by the Knicks during the 2011-2012 season. He is not usually the starting point guard for the team, but after a injury suffered by their veteran point guard Baron Davies coach D' Antoni was pushed to put the young Jeremy Lin as the starting point guard.  It was February 4, when Lin starts to hits those big shots and throw those nice assist  which starts building the hype around Madison Square Garden and after a carrying his team for 6 consecutive games then the era of "Linsanity was born!" It become popular that everyone was into this Linsanity fever and even other popular athletes such as Manny Pacquiao shows his appreciation of what Linsanity bring to the basketball world and to his fellow Asian. So far Linsanity is doing great hope he can accomplish more than to earn very Linsane nickname.

Where to find NBA Cards?

Having Trouble Finding A Piece Of Card Board?

NBA (National Basketball Association) launch this kind of memorabilia for all the league fans around the planet. It started as early as 1946 and reached its peek at the 90's especially at the era of GOAT Michael Jordan.During this era NBA cards was so popular that everyone from age of 10 to as old as 50 collect this kind of memorabilia you can buy it anywhere it like buying a candy in a store. However, the fame of NBA cards to the masses fades as time goes on as of the current date it's very hard to find a store that sells it.This decreased in demands leads to closure of almost NBA card company. That is why finding a new one was so freaking hard.

Is this the End of NBA card Fever?

Well absolutely not! Yes it's hard to continue a previous collection that you have but it feasible.I'm a little bit bothered with how the hobby of collecting NBA cards end up not until I find this sites online that absolutely gives me hope to at least finish my collection.

Are this Sites Free?

Yes they are for free. Couple of online forum nowadays are a very helpful to for hardcore collectors to locate a particular cards that you want. Within their forums there was a part wherein they sell NBA cards and they to trades to. They where user friendly and does not need any especial computer skills. Some of which are:

1. Hobby Kings - Which was based on USA.
2. NBA CARDS PHILIPPINES - which was located in Philippines.

There sites are very helpful for us NBA card collector. Hope this site helps you to find the card that you've always dream of.

NBA Card Memorabilia

Hobbies for Basketball Fanatics

Collecting something from stamps to coins to everything are just some of the oldest hobby that we have. For others it is a way to support their favorite teams and players, while others do collect for the sentimental value that they bring to them and others do it for business. Basketball junkies collects everything from jerseys, shoes, basketball etc. However for me was the best thing to collect for basketball fans was NBA cards. The good thing about NBA cards is that you enjoy the pleasure of collecting them at the same time this cards has a book value which you can sell or trade to others according to the book value that they have and when you not that interested in collecting you an always sells them and bring back the money that you spent for it. Book Value of a certain card varies from 5 dollars to 700 dollars or higher depending on the rareness. 

Types Of Cards That We Have

There are different types of NBA cards to spice up collecting. We have the commons or base cards these are cards that a single pack mostly contain from the word itself this are commonly place to every pack that you bought it's just a card with a picture and stats at the back and nothing especial about it. BV or the book value of this kind of cards just vary from 1 dollar to 15 depending on the player and how rare your card was.

Next we have the insert cards. These are the cards that you wish to have if you are a collector since these types of cards does not always come within a pack. A pack usually contains 5-10 cards and the chance of getting a insert card is 1:10 or 2:10 and most of them are bunch of commons. The rareness of this card is higher that the commons since these cards are usually a set that was distributed to packs with the base cards and are numbered 1 of 10 meaning the first card of the the whole set of ten. The BV of these types of cards are much higher, since the designs are unique for each inserts can range from 25 dollars to 700 dollars again depending on how rare it is and to which player do you have.

There are insert cards that considered to be especial due to some of its features of uniqueness. One of which was the acetate cards these poses the effect of transparency and lesser risk of having a ding on a corner of the card. Die cuts are the next, these cards are just like the ordinary card with the feature of having a cut through the card either in a triangle, diagonal, circular shape depends on the design of the cards. The die cut cards are my personal favorite since they are rare at the same time this cards are awesome looking cards especially if you put them together in a 4 pocket or 9 pocket sleves.  We have also numbered cards. Cards of these kind are so rare that a card company will just release a card in an specific number pattern. For example a Michael Jordan's Flair take it to the net card, the company just published 1000 copies of it each are numbered 1/1000 etc. Much rarer than this card was the 1 of 1 card, this card is the most sought after card since there are only one of this in the whole planet. The BV of these kinds of card are so high since they are so rare but again it depends on the player that you collect.

Autographed cards are next in line. These cards are also my personal favorite since these cards have the actual signature of the player that you collect. It comes in handy since you don't have to chase your player of choice just to have his autograph. However, some issues may arise like are this stuff legit? that is why as a collector we always advice are co collector not to but an autographed card without a authorization from a card company. It's a nice addition to your collection if it is authentic autograph card.

Last will be the jersey cards. These cards are hot it started from the late 90's till present, what is unique about this card is that a piece of a players used jersey in an actual game was actually incorporated In a card. It can be patches with different kinds of variation or just plain jersey. BV for this type of card can range from a dollar to couple of dollars depending on the player you chooses. 

Which Cards To Collect?

So far I enjoy collecting old school inserts from the 90's to be more specific high end rare insert cards of Michael Jordan which was so far has the highest book value compared to cards of other players. Just a tip for those who start to collect cards. Start collecting cards from a well known player that had proven himself  in the game of basketball. This will help you to put value on your collection because players that won championship or achieved something will have the higher BV of their cards compared to those who spend most of their time at the bench.

Basketball during 90's

What makes 90's unique?

I must admit that this generation of basketball stars are doing such a great job of representing the game, with the intensity that they bring the hype, and the rush but this would not happen if the the stars before them did not accomplished what they had. Early 90's was the era of the long rival Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers this starts the period of grace for the game of basketball. The incredible passes where made care of Earvin "Magic" Johnson, amazing long shots and buzzer beaters that was shot by Larry "The Hick from French Lick" Bird these are the things that captivates the eyes of the all the basketball fanatics around the word. 

Also in this era is where the rise of the stars of Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, Scottie Pippen and his "airness" Michael Jordan, this blend of then arising superstars elevates the game to the next level conquering US and the whole world as they take home the prestigious Olympic Gold Medal at 1992 Barcelona Olympics. The 1992 Dream Team was consider to be the best collection of basketball athletes ever compete. For those who does not know, the 1992 Dream 

Team was compose of: 

•  David Robinson
• Patrick Ewing
• Larry Bird 
• Scottie Pippen
•  Michael Jordan
• Clyde Drexler
•  Karl Malone
• John Stockton
•  Chris Mullin
•  Charles Barkley
• Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Jr.
•  Christian Laettner

From the moment they enter the court this team mean business with one goal which is to win. Packed with determination and perseverance they also show how a team work was perfectly executed by distributing the ball around allowing everyone to scores. This was evident as most of their wins was more than 30 points and as high as 68 points when they drop Angola to a worst beat ever. The considered to be the Original  Dream was coached by a veteran coach Chuck Daily who directed the team as they conquered the world of basketball. 


Hype in the game of basketball started as before 90's with stars like Julius Erving, Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, etc. However the era where the considered to be the greatest of all time starts to achieved his goal during this era. I am talking non other than your "Airness" Michael Jordan. Mj's basketball star was born when he was playing for North Carolina they make it to the finals and hits a crunch basket with just 18 seconds remaining on clock. They beat the Georgetown boys by 1 point with score of 63-62 in favor of North Carolina. 

Since that moment Michael Jordan did not look back and continues to showcase his talent as he entered the NBA in 1985. He stunned the crowed at their opponent with his flashy and high flying move earning his rookie of the year award and a back to back all star slam dunk champion. But the journey for the title of being the champion was not easy the Bulls which was his team constantly lost to the best teams at that time which include Celtics, Lakers, and Detroit which really push Mj and the Bulls to the limit. After all of the beatings that they suffered from rival teams finally the  Chicago Bulls won their first ever NBA Championship thanks to the heroics of your Airness which broke the ice for the. Moreover, Mj's eagerness to win and take home the Championship trophy does not end in the 89-91 season it's just the beginning of his reign. 

Hard work and perseverance leads Mj and a bulls to a three peat as they won the succeeding 92-93 season, but it does not end there yet the team hunger for more championship makes them bag another three peat in 96-97-98 season. This was a great way to end off 90's with an incredible run by the Bulls and especially through the effort of the GOAT Michael Jordan who also won all of 6 finals Most Valuable Player honors.


This era of basketball greatness was one of a kind. There are many teams of today's generation trying to mimic a three peat but all of them fell short and makes them feel that this is somewhat impossible. This males my proud to say that I was a living witness of the wonderful era of 90's where in i did not only witness a three peat but a double three peat which is kinda insane. 

About my Blog

Best Place For Hoop Junkies!

Basketball indeed is one of the most famous form of sport activity in the globe today. We're familiar to this sport as soon as we're on nursery. Basketball hoops can be find everywhere at the corner of the street, at backyard, playground, open and close gym, etc. Why do people loves it? Probably because of the excitement it brings to the audience and to everyone involve in the game. It is also a good way to build camaraderie and promote trusting relationship within the group which will lead to a better team work.  Furthermore, it serves as a good form of exercise to tone down muscles and to hasten senses.

This blog will try to dig deeper in the sport that we love which basketball. I will not talk about it's history because I bet all of us knew about it. This blog will features some of the great events that happens before and after personalities such as:

•  G.O.A.T. (ex. Michael Jordan)
•  Shoes
• Jerseys
• Hobbies and Collection
• TV shows
• Current Trends ( What's in and what's out)
• Everything that bring excitement in the game of basketball

Lets start exploring the game of basketball to know more and to share more with our fellow hoop junkies!