Saturday, July 31, 2021
Sports psychologist: Athletes must have a core team to achieve goal | ANC - ANC 24/7
Hidilyn Diaz 🏋️♀️ Philippines's FIRST EVER Olympic GOLD medallist! - Olympics
Pasaol electrifies Meralco to win over Alaska - Rappler
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- Pasaol electrifies Meralco to win over Alaska Rappler
- PBA News: Meralco vs Alaska: Pinto, Pasaol step up for Bolts Sports Interactive Network Philippines
- Meralco maintains Top 3 spot with second straight win against Alaska PBA.ph
- 'Jolly' Pasaol a pleasure to coach, beams Black Tiebreaker Times
- Charles Tiu thrilled to learn from Black, contribute to Bolts title bid Sports Interactive Network Philippines
- View Full coverage on Google News
Pasaol electrifies Meralco to win over Alaska - Rappler
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PH star EJ Obiena qualifies for pole vault final in Tokyo Olympics - INQUIRER.net
Petecio advances to gold medal fight in Tokyo Olympics - The Manila Times
Nesthy Petecio continues to march deeper into the Tokyo Olympics with a majority decision win in the women's featherweight semifinals on Saturday at the Kokugikan Arena.
The fighter from Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur outpointed Irma Testa of Italy, 4-1, to advance to the gold medal fight.
Four judges scored the fight 29-28 in favor of Petecio and one judge scored it 29-28 for the Italian.
The 29-year-old Petecio beat Marcelat Mashu Sakobi of Congo via unanimous decision in the round of 32; stunned world No. 1 Lin Yu-Ting of Chinese Taipei in the round of 16 via split decision; and dominated Yeni Arias of Columbia in the quarterfinals via unanimous decision to reach the semis.
Petecio advances to gold medal fight in Tokyo Olympics - The Manila Times
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Shot at gold: Nesthy Petecio barges into Olympics boxing final - INQUIRER.net
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- Shot at gold: Nesthy Petecio barges into Olympics boxing final INQUIRER.net
- Boxer Petecio advances to final, one win away from Olympic gold ABS-CBN News
- Nesthy Petecio to fight for gold in Olympic women's featherweight finals GMA News Online
- LIVE UPDATES AND RESULTS: Tokyo Olympics - July 31 rappler.com Rappler
- Palace congratulates Petecio, Obiena and Paalam Philstar.com
- View Full coverage on Google News
Shot at gold: Nesthy Petecio barges into Olympics boxing final - INQUIRER.net
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EJ Obiena qualifies for Tokyo Olympics men's pole vault finals - pna.gov.ph
EJ Obiena (File photo)
MANILA – EJ Obiena got a spot in the medal round of the Tokyo Olympics men's pole vault event after making the Top 12 cutoff in the preliminary round on Saturday.
He cleared 5.75 meters, which turned out to be enough as only 11 were able to finish the height.
Obiena, who cleared 5.5 meters and 5.65 meters in just one try but needed three to clear 5.75, is seeded 10th in the finals.
Defending champion Thiago Braz of Brazil, Obiena's longtime training partner, is seeded fifth after clearing 5.75 in two.
World record-holder Armand Duplantis of Sweden, who breezed through 5.71 in just one attempt, came in third overall after the countback.
Braz and Duplantis interestingly had shaky starts as they needed two tries to clear 5.5 meters.
Fourteen pole vaulters actually made the finals as there was a huge logjam among those who only cleared 5.65 meters.
After the countbacks have been tallied, only Harry Coppell of Great Britain, Ersu Sasma of Turkey, and Oleg Zernikel of Germany earned their entries to the final round. (PNA)
EJ Obiena qualifies for Tokyo Olympics men's pole vault finals - pna.gov.ph
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Friday, July 30, 2021
Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes And 2021 NBA Draft Class Answer Ridiculous Questions - Bleacher Report
Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes And 2021 NBA Draft Class Answer Ridiculous Questions - Bleacher Report
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Cris Nievarez ranks 23rd overall in Tokyo Olympics rowing - pna.gov.ph
Cris Nievarez (File photo)
MANILA – Filipino rower Cris Nievarez finished in 23rd place in the men's single sculls event of the Tokyo Olympics following the final phase on Friday at the Sea Forest Waterway in the Japanese capital.
Nievarez settled for fifth place in the Division D final after clocking in at seven minutes and 21.28 seconds, almost 18 seconds behind race winner Vladislav Yakovlev of Kazakhstan.
The Division D final is part of the repechage rounds for Yakovlev, Nievarez, and company.
After the event, Philippine Rowing Association president Pato Gregorio said he has high hopes on Nievarez, who finished his Olympic debut.
“Cris’s journey as a world-class rower just started in Tokyo,” Gregorio said. “He has a long way to go — still young at 21.”
He even thinks Nievarez can duplicate Hidilyn Diaz's historic gold medal feat in weightlifting on Monday night.
“It took Hidilyn four Olympic cycles to win the gold medal, she never gave up,” Gregorio said. “So Cris, don’t give up. He is top 23 in the Olympics. It’s a great way to start.”
In the Division A final, Stefanos Ntouskos of Greece took the gold medal by finishing the race in 6:40.45, eclipsing the previous Olympic record of 6:41.34 set by Mahe Drysdale of New Zealand during the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Kjetil Borch of Norway came in second for the silver with 6:41.66, while Damir Martin of Croatia took the bronze at 6:42.58. (PNA)
Cris Nievarez ranks 23rd overall in Tokyo Olympics rowing - pna.gov.ph
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Hidilyn Diaz: Outcome should not be sole focus if PH wants more Olympic gold - Rappler
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- Hidilyn Diaz: Outcome should not be sole focus if PH wants more Olympic gold Rappler
- Brands honor Hidilyn Diaz with moment marketing stunts in Philippines Yahoo Philippines News
- Philippines celebrate first ever Olympic gold! Hello Tokyo I DAY 7 Olympics
- Olympic 'epalism' The Manila Times
- Sports psychologist: Athletes must have a core team to achieve goal | ANC ANC 24/7
- View Full coverage on Google News
Hidilyn Diaz: Outcome should not be sole focus if PH wants more Olympic gold - Rappler
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Jalen Suggs (Orlando Magic) • Team USA • FIBA Highlights - FIBA - The Basketball Channel
Russell Westbrook Trade Forms New Lakers Big Three With LeBron James & Anthony Davis - Bleacher Report
Russell Westbrook Trade Forms New Lakers Big Three With LeBron James & Anthony Davis - Bleacher Report
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The attitude that won Dominique Dawes a gold medal can make you a champion in your own life - NEWS CENTER Maine
The attitude that won Dominique Dawes a gold medal can make you a champion in your own life - NEWS CENTER Maine
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Jalen Green (Houston Rockets) • Team USA • FIBA Highlights - FIBA - The Basketball Channel
Jalen Green (Houston Rockets) • Team USA • FIBA Highlights - FIBA - The Basketball Channel
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2021 NBA Draft: Grading Every First Round Pick - Sports Illustrated
The 2021 NBA draft has concluded. The Crossover's draft expert Jeremy Woo graded every first-round pick.
1. Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham, G, Oklahoma State
The Pistons took their time deciding what to do with the No. 1 pick, and ultimately settled on Cunningham, who has been my top-ranked prospect in this class from rail to rail and gives them a versatile centerpiece to build their team around. Cunningham checks just about every box for a perimeter player, with no glaring holes in his game, the ability to play with and without the ball, and an unwavering, focused, team-first approach. He’s one of the most impressive prospects to come along in the past decade. Detroit hopes he’s the player to bring the franchise back to the playoffs.
Grade: A
2. Houston Rockets: Jalen Green, G, G League Ignite
It was a poorly kept secret over the past couple weeks that the Rockets were planning to draft Green, who they hope will reach his considerable potential as a scorer and become the quasi-replacement for James Harden, whose trade request led to Houston tanking away the 2020-21 season. Houston gets an A- here from me, simply because my preference would have been Evan Mobley. But the Rockets will pair Jalen Green with Kevin Porter Jr. in what they hope will be an explosive, dual-handler backcourt moving forward.
Grade: A-
3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Evan Mobley, F, USC
Many around the NBA viewed Mobley as a No. 1 pick-caliber prospect, and his availability at No. 3 is a huge coup for the Cavs. Cleveland received a number of offers for this pick, but decided to keep it and roll with Mobley, who immediately becomes their most valuable long-term piece. They may have to make a subsequent decision on their frontcourt logjam, with Jarrett Allen, Kevin Love and Larry Nance all potentially returning. But Mobley is well worth it, with a versatile game, incredible shot-blocking acumen, and a great deal of offensive upside. It’s extremely hard to find centers with his level of ball skills, shooting potential, length, and mobility, and he could vault into the upper echelon of NBA big men in relatively short order.
Grade: A
4. Toronto Raptors: Scottie Barnes, F, Florida State
This is a bold move from the Raptors, who were thought to be between Barnes and Jalen Suggs at No. 4, and made the riskier choice. League sources indicated Suggs’ recent workout for Toronto was underwhelming, and in recent days, speculation grew that they were seriously into Barnes here. So this isn’t entirely a shocker, but there was a good amount of support for Suggs around the league as a potential franchise cornerstone, and the Raptors opted to go against that grain. Barnes was a huge winner in the predraft process, working his way up boards and winning over teams in the interview process. His immense wingspan, defensive mentality, passing vision, and potential as a two-way impact piece are strong selling points. He’s unlikely to become a go-to scorer, and his jumper remains a question, but he may do so much of everything else that it doesn’t matter.
Grade: B+
5. Orlando Magic: Jalen Suggs, G, Gonzaga
The addition of Suggs strongly enhances Orlando’s backcourt, and while it’s unclear how they sort out all the young guards on the roster, the dynamic he brings adds a different dimension to their personnel. A stellar, physical athlete, Suggs was one of college basketball’s top players as a freshman and has one of the best competitive motors in the draft. He’s able to impact games as a scorer, playmaker, and defender—sometimes, all at once—and while his jumper has to improve, Suggs can play in any lineup and is willing to do the small things to win. It’s hard to find guards like that who also possess his elite strength and speed. The Magic will figure the rest out later.
Grade: A
6. Oklahoma City Thunder: Josh Giddey, G, Adelaide 36ers (Australia)
This is the draft’s first major surprise pick, but it’s one I kind of love for the Thunder, who kept their interest in Giddey well under wraps. After trying and ultimately opting not to move up in the draft, Oklahoma City is taking a chance on Giddey’s incredible passing ability. He had a prodigious season as a teenager in his native Australia, and emerged as an elite prospect after spending time developing in the NBA’s Global Academy Program. The Thunder are focused on adding talent, and his size, skill level and low-maintenance game fit their preferences. He’s ultimately more NBA-ready than the other players on the board here, and his youth and advanced game point to room for growth. Whether he’s a full time point guard or a wing, Giddey has the type of flexible approach that should allow him to excel.
Grade: A-
7. Golden State Warriors: Jonathan Kuminga, F, G League Ignite
After all the chatter around the NBA surrounding Kuminga and whether he’d fall in the draft, the Warriors took the biggest upside swing available here, taking him off the board. There’s no arguing Kuminga’s long-term potential, as one of the draft’s best all-around athletes with considerable scoring upside. But given Golden State’s circumstances—they need to win this season—taking Kuminga here as a long-view choice is worth a bit of scrutiny. This is ultimately a similar approach to the one the Warriors took at No. 2 last year, when they took James Wiseman based on upside and positional fit, and left LaMelo Ball on the board. That’s not to say they made the incorrect choice, and Kuminga could also be a valuable piece of a future trade for a star talent that fits their timeline. The Warriors also explored trade opportunities with this pick, sources said. Having said all this, Golden State needs to think about the post-Curry future, too. This is a step in that direction.
Grade: B
8. Orlando Magic: Franz Wagner, SF, Michigan
After winding up with Jalen Suggs instead of Scottie Barnes at No. 5, the Magic still get a super-sized, versatile forward here in Wagner. He’s a highly versatile, smart player who’s still scratching the surface of his ability, with room to grow as a jump shooter. Wagner is also a stellar team defender who understands positioning and covers ground effectively, and that flexibility should allow the Magic to play a variety of combinations when he’s on the floor. He profiles as a high-level supporting player if all goes right. Despite not landing Scottie Barnes, Orlando should feel good about how the lottery broke.
Grade: A
9. Sacramento Kings: Davion Mitchell, G, Baylor
This is a surprising direction from the Kings, who were thought to be looking at frontcourt options here, but instead add to their backcourt with Mitchell. Sacramento has designs on competing for the playoffs, and taking an NBA-ready guy like Mitchell here does help to that end. But how much playing time he’ll realistically find with De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton on the roster is worth questioning. Mitchell will surely enhance what was one of the worst defenses in the league last season, and his speed, toughness, and scoring ability is a fit with their personnel. But James Bouknight might have been a higher-upside play here, and many scouts have questioned Mitchell’s long-term upside due to his size and advanced age.
Grade: B-
10. Memphis Grizzlies: Ziare Williams, F, Stanford
The Pelicans made this pick on behalf of the Grizzlies, who will officially receive it after their recent trade is consummated in August. In that deal, Memphis moved up to No. 10 from No. 17, but ultimately selected a player here in Williams who was widely projected to be on the board at that point. Clearly, the Grizzlies hold him in quite high regard. Williams significantly helped himself in the predraft process with a series of strong workouts, and his size, shooting ability and ball skills have always pointed to impressive upside. But many teams were concerned with his history of inconsistency and lack of physicality, and he was expected to come off the board later in the draft. Memphis has drafted well in recent years and deserves the benefit of the doubt here—if Williams can reach his potential, he can be a meaningful addition to their core. But this is a high-risk, high-reward move that will need time to properly evaluate.
Grade: C+
11. Charlotte Hornets: James Bouknight, G, UConn
Bouknight was projected to come off the board as high as No. 6, and becomes a strong value pick here for the Hornets. While not a perfect fit on a roster that already features a number of ball-dominant players, the selections of Bouknight and LaMelo Ball in consecutive drafts have significantly enhanced the team’s talent base. Charlotte will now hope that’s their backcourt of the future. Bouknight is an explosive, inventive scorer with better feel than advertised, and one of my favorite prospects in the draft. If he hits his potential, this could be a pick we look back on in a few years and wonder about.
Grade: A
12. San Antonio Spurs: Josh Primo, G, Alabama
This is an outside the box selection for the Spurs, who opted to take a shot on the youngest prospect in the draft here. Primo was a supporting piece at Alabama and was injured for some of the year, but really helped himself in the predraft process with strong workouts and a terrific showing at the combine. While not incredibly toolsy, Primo’s feel is advanced, and he has much more playmaking ability than he was able to show in college, where he was more of a spot-up option. This wasn’t a pick anyone necessarily saw coming, but there was chatter that Primo could go much higher than expected, and that came true. It’s not conventional, but the Spurs clearly see a lot of upside here, and will likely be patient with him as they move forward with their rebuild.
Grade: C
13. Indiana Pacers: Chris Duarte, SG, Oregon
The Pacers were tabbed as suitors for Davion Mitchell, Duarte and Kispert here, and wound up with Duarte, whom a number of teams tried to trade up and draft in the lottery. Indiana aims to compete for the playoffs under Rick Carlisle next season, and Duarte should be able to give them immediate minutes. Although he’s one of the oldest draft-eligible players in the class, Duarte put on a convincing display this season at Oregon, shooting the ball extremely well, playing strong defense, and earmarking himself as a solid 3-and-D wing. While his upside likely isn’t immense, he makes a great deal of sense for Indiana.
Grade: B+
14. Golden State Warriors: Moses Moody, G, Arkansas
This is a nice surprise for the Warriors, who were known to be intrigued by Moody in the predraft process. It wasn’t clear if he’d be available here, and while Golden State was said to be hunting for experienced talent, simply taking Moody and figuring things out later makes a lot of sense. He has a chance to become a solid 3-and-D player, with a projectable jumper, developing secondary skills, and a long wingspan, although it may take him a little time to get comfortable. This is good value for the Warriors, who may enter next season younger than expected and likely hunt for veteran help via other avenues.
Grade: A-
15. Washington Wizards: Corey Kispert, G, Gonzaga
The Wizards were searching for shooting at this pick, and Kispert’s availability is a nice coup for them as they restructure the roster next season following today’s Russell Westbrook trade. Kispert was arguably the most accomplished three-point marksman in the draft, and gives Washington a much-needed dimension on the wing. His experience level should allow him to contribute right away as the Wizards push to stay competitive around Bradley Beal, who seems like he may stay put for now. This is a step in the right direction.
Grade: A-
16. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Boston): Alperen Sengün, F/C, Besiktas (Turkey)
This pick is on the move to the Rockets, who gave up two future firsts for the rights to Sengün, who was dominant in the Turkish League at age 18. His productivity made him a favorite for analytics-driven front offices—with Houston clearly among them—and while he’s not the type of hyper-athletic big the NBA often favors, Sengün is already an outlier in his own right. Houston will hope he gives them a legitimate offensive focal point up front in due time, and this is nice value for a prospect who was thought to be in play as high as No. 9 to Sacramento. The Rockets will hope the future picks they surrendered don’t come back to bite them, but Houston also has plenty of draft capital remaining. Taking Sengün is an applaudable, measured gamble.
Grade: A-
17. New Orleans Pelicans (from Memphis): Trey Murphy, F, Virginia
The Pelicans were hoping to find shooting after trading back to No. 17 from No. 10, and Murphy is a pretty strong fit for them here. An impressive athlete and high-level jump shooter, New Orleans will hope Murphy helps them blend lineups and provides much-needed spacing for budding superstar Zion Williamson. Murphy will have to keep improving and become a more physical defender, but if he becomes what many teams think he can be, he could be a perfect role player for the Pelicans.
Grade: A-
18. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Miami): Tre Mann, G, Florida
I don’t love this pick, primarily because I’m a bit less confident in Mann reaching his upside, but it’s a justifiable choice by the Thunder, who were hoping to add shooting with one of these picks in the teens and get a capable one here. Mann is a slithery ballhandler who excels at creating his own shot, but is not especially physical and is still learning how to consistently impact games. OKC, of course, has the runway to give him plenty of time, hoping he becomes a legit perimeter creator, and hopefully, a difference-maker. But he’s not much of a defender, and there were other options on the board here—like Kai Jones—who I would have preferred for them.
Grade: C+
19. New York Knicks: Kai Jones, C, Texas
This pick was traded to Charlotte, who were intrigued by drafting Jones at No. 11 before James Bouknight surprisingly slipped to them, and were able to find a way back in to select their guy. Jones has a good deal of upside as a rangy defender who can switch onto wings or defend bigs, and combines that with intriguing skill potential and basic shooting ability. He’ll be a bit of a project for the Hornets, but playing with a special passer like LaMelo Ball could really enhance his impact as a lob-catcher (and hopefully, a floor spacer). Charlotte has the makings of an exciting team—it just may take some time.
Grade: A
20. Atlanta Hawks: Jalen Johnson, F, Duke
Johnson was viewed as one of the draft’s big wild cards, but has always been an undeniably intriguing talent, and the Hawks opted to take the plunge here. Johnson had a frustrating year at Duke that culminated in him leaving the team, and was never an especially reliable player dating back to high school. Concerns stemming from that history led to him falling out of the lottery, but ultimately, not as far as some feared. Johnson has terrific size and playmaking ability, and if the Hawks can find a way to get the best out of him, he could be a really valuable complementary piece for them. This is a little bit of a risky pick, but in this part of the draft, it’s not a bad proposition.
Grade: B
21. New York Knicks (from Dallas): Keon Johnson, SG, Tennessee
This pick is reportedly on the way to the Clippers. Johnson was once projected as a potential late-lottery pick, but his stock fell a bit in the predraft process, due in part to concerns around his shooting, and also due to concerns over his medical, per sources. But this isn’t too bad of a fall for him, and he’s a very nice project for the Clippers here. L.A. loves defensive-minded, tough, versatile players, and Johnson fits that bill—it just may take him some time. If his ballhandling and jump shot come around, he could be an extremely valuable, high-energy piece for them.
Grade: A-
22. Los Angeles Lakers: Isaiah Jackson, C, Kentucky
The Wizards acquired this pick as part of the Russell Westbrook trade, then flipped it to Indiana in a trade that saw them move back to No. 31. The Pacers drafted Jackson, who will be a long-term developmental big for them. Jackson is an elite run-jump athlete, but his basketball skills are a work in progress. Teams hope he can fit into a rim-running role, block shots and provide energy, and Indiana has enough talent up front that they won’t have to rush him. If all goes well, he could eventually supplant Myles Turner at center, and allow them to play faster. Jackson was a bit polarizing among scouts, and he’s not my favorite fit here, but the pick makes some sense for the Pacers.
Grade: C+
23. Houston Rockets (from Portland): Usman Garuba, F/C, Real Madrid (Spain)
This is nice value for the Rockets, grabbing a potentially strong role player in Garuba, who can defend all over the floor and complement the array of young scorers Houston has collected. Garuba isn’t especially wired to score, but he’s a smart offensive player who understands how to fit in, and if his shooting improves, he could be the next in the Rockets’ line of useful, unorthodox small-ball bigs. There may not be many shots to go around in Houston next year, but Garuba won’t care.
Grade: B+
24. Houston Rockets (from Milwaukee): Josh Christopher, SG, Arizona State
This is a bit higher than most expected Christopher to hear his name called, but the Rockets clearly preferred him to the array of other available guards here, and based on upside, it’s a defensible choice. Christopher can be a bit of an acquired taste -- he shoots first and often shoots second -- but he can really get buckets, and he’s a good athlete with a chance to stick around the NBA if he can be a more consistent performer. He wouldn’t have been my favorite pick here, but I get it. (Random side note: he’s also very close friends with Jalen Green, Houston’s choice at No. 2.)
Grade: C+
25. Los Angeles Clippers: Quentin Grimes, G, Houston
This pick was acquired by the Knicks, who traded back off No. 21 to grab Grimes. I like this fit for New York, who ultimately walked away from their widely-rumored interest in Isaiah Jackson and made a more methodical play for a wing who can help them immediately. Grimes’ well-rounded offensive game should enhance the team’s offense, and he’s regarded as a rock-solid locker room guy, as well. He’s a winning role player and should be able to help the Knicks.
Grade: A-
26. Denver Nuggets: Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland, SG, VCU
In addition to having one of the better nicknames in recent basketball history, Hyland was a riser in the predraft process and earned a first-round spot with impressive shot-making displays behind closed doors. The Nuggets were looking at scoring guards here, and Hyland was the choice, with his ability to make tough shots a likely separator. Denver has a solid track record of identifying potential role players, and Hyland could develop into a unique, entertaining piece for them. After flying somewhat under the radar at VCU, his best basketball may be ahead of him.
Grade: B+
27. Brooklyn Nets: Cameron Thomas, SG, LSU
This is fairly good value for the Nets after Thomas slipped toward the back of the first round, giving them an extra bucket-getter as they aim to build out their supporting cast. Thomas can be very ball-needy, but he’s a good jump shooter who could conceivably be much more efficient as an auxiliary player, rather than the focal point of a team. The Nets, with an established trio of stars, should be able to lessen his responsibilities in the earlygoing. While Thomas’s style of play isn’t for everyone (including this writer), it’s a good gamble for Brooklyn.
Grade: B
28. Philadelphia 76ers: Jaden Springer, G, Tennessee
Springer is a nice value pick for the Sixers, who can develop him as a long-term prospect. There’s a bit of overlap between his skill set and Tyrese Maxey’s, but he’s a tough, defensive-minded guard and has yet to turn 19. Springer was hampered by an injury for part of the year at Tennessee and has some tangible upside on offense, as he becomes a better shooter and playmaker. While there may have been a case for Philly to grab an older guy here, Springer was arguably the most interesting teenage prospect left on the board.
Grade: B+
29. Phoenix Suns: Day’Ron Sharpe, C, North Carolina
This pick was traded from the Suns to the Nets earlier in the day, in a deal that sent Landry Shamet to Phoenix. This is one of my favorite picks in the first round, as Sharpe is a terrific fit for Brooklyn, and a potentially starting-caliber center in the long run. There was chatter that Sharpe could come off the board a bit earlier than this after a strong predraft process, and the Nets sorely need a rugged, rebounding center in their rotation. Sharpe is also a terrific passer and has some upside shooting the ball, and could help Brooklyn sooner than you think.
Grade: A
30. Utah Jazz: Santi Aldama, F, Loyola (MD)
This pick was reportedly traded from Utah to Memphis. Aldama was prolific in the Patriot League and was rumored as a stash selection for the Thunder—my educated guess is that the Grizzlies felt they had to move in front of OKC’s picks in the 30s to ensure they got him. But Aldama was extremely low on my Big Board, and not the pick I would have made here. His feel and skills at his size are intriguing, but the level of competition he faced was extremely low this season, and this is a fascinating long-term gamble. It just isn’t what I would have done.
Grade: D-
More NBA Coverage:
• Rockets Chart New Path Forward With Green Pick
• Grading the Russell Westbrook/Lakers Trade
• NBA Free Agency Rankings
2021 NBA Draft: Grading Every First Round Pick - Sports Illustrated
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Philippines celebrate first ever Olympic gold! Hello Tokyo I DAY 7 - Olympics
#2 Pick Jalen Green On Being The Pride Of The Philippines! | Republika Huddle - NBA
Olympics: Australian team briefly isolate as pole vaulter Kendricks test positive for Covid-19 - The Straits Times
Olympics: Australian team briefly isolate as pole vaulter Kendricks test positive for Covid-19 - The Straits Times
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Philippines’ first Olympic gold medalist was once accused of plot against Duterte - CNBC
Philippines' Hidilyn Diaz wins the gold medal in the women's 55kg weightlifting competition during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on July 26, 2021.
Vincenzo Pinto | AFP | Getty Images
Two years before Philippine weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz won the country's first ever Olympic gold medal, she was accused of plotting against President Rodrigo Duterte.
Diaz, who won the historic gold medal at the Tokyo Games on Monday, had found her name among many others in a chart released in May 2019 by Duterte's spokesman at that time. The spokesman accused those listed of being involved in a conspiracy to discredit Duterte and boost the opposition politicians at an upcoming election.
The spokesman later said Diaz, who was then preparing for the Tokyo Olympics, was not part of the alleged plot against Duterte.
Just forget them, you already have the gold. Gold is gold. And it would be good for you to just let bygones be bygones and dwell solely on your victory ...Rodrigo DutertePhilippine president
The 2019 incident resurfaced this week after Diaz won the Olympic gold.
Duterte on Wednesday told her in a call to "let bygones be bygones." Official newswire Philippine News Agency reported that the president asked Diaz to forget the "unpleasant things" between her and the government.
"Just forget them, you already have the gold. Gold is gold. And it would be good for you to just let bygones be bygones and dwell solely on your victory, together with your family and of course with the nation," Duterte reportedly said.
Diaz reportedly said she had feared for her and her family's safety after being linked to the alleged plot, as some people named in the diagram were targeted by the government and some even ended up being killed, according to Philippine online news site Rappler.
The Olympic champion said in an interview this week with Philippine broadcaster ABS-CBN News that she would forgive those who threatened her life back then.
She added that she no longer needs an apology from Duterte's former spokesman Salvador Panelo, who released the diagram with her name on it, the broadcaster reported.
'Ouster plot matrix'
In addition to Diaz, the names of dozens of journalists, human rights lawyers and opposition politicians appeared in the chart that Panelo revealed in 2019. The diagram, along with a few others released by the Duterte government, became known locally as "ouster plot matrix."
Panelo said then that Duterte had received "intelligence information" about the alleged plot and "validated" the diagram, according to the Philippine News Agency.
Some individuals and organizations named in the diagrams — many of them critics of the Duterte government — denied the allegations and slammed the presidential office for vilifying them. Duterte has frequently portrayed his critics as enemies since coming to power in 2016.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gives a speech at the Malacanang Palace in Manila on June 1, 2017.
Noel Celis | AFP | Getty Images
Since Diaz's victory in the Tokyo Olympics, officials of the Duterte government have sought to distance themselves from the 2019 episode.
When asked whether the presidential office should apologize to Diaz, current presidential spokesman Harry Roque reportedly said this week he did not make any allegations against her.
Panelo — now Duterte's chief presidential legal counsel — maintained that he did not link Diaz to the alleged plot.
"It is truly disheartening that there are people who seek to take the limelight out of Ms. Diaz's recent triumph and convert it into a political skirmish of who should and should not celebrate our country's win," he said in a Tuesday statement.
Disclosure: CNBC parent NBCUniversal owns NBC Sports and NBC Olympics. NBC Olympics is the U.S. broadcast rights holder to all Summer and Winter Games through 2032.
Philippines’ first Olympic gold medalist was once accused of plot against Duterte - CNBC
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Anthony Davis told Russell Westbrook he’d play center more if he came to Lakers - Silver Screen and Roll
Of the available options to improve their roster this offseason, it’s clear that Russell Westbrook was the Lakers’ top choice. There are legitimate concerns that his poor shooting could shrink the floor for his new superstar teammates, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but it’s also obvious that the Lakers are more excited about what he can do well than concerned about what he can’t.
Even so, the team is still going to have to make three stars who aren’t known for their 3-point shooting fit together without cramping the floor too much. Adding shooters in free agency could help, but it sounds like James, Davis and Westbrook are already planning out ways to open up the court for themselves.
According to Brad Turner of the L.A. Times, the Lakers’ three new superstars first plotted out their union during a dinner at James’ house in Los Angeles, a meal over which all three All-Stars committed to doing whatever was necessary to fit together:
They talked about putting their egos aside and playing as one in their quest to bring the Lakers another NBA championship. Westbrook talked about how his only intention was winning and coming back home to Los Angeles to become a champion.
James and Davis talked about the two of them changing positions if that was best for the team — James moving from small forward to power forward and Davis from power forward to center.
Westbrook let James and Davis know he doesn’t mind playing off the ball when James initiates the offense, something he did while playing alongside James Harden with the Houston Rockets.
Obviously James being willing to play up a position and Westbrook being all right with James initiating the offense quite a bit can help make this all work a whole lot more smoothly than it would otherwise, but by far the biggest news here is Davis’ willingness to fully unlock the potential of this lineup by moving to center, a position he’s a walking mismatch at. That is the skeleton key that unlocks this whole thing.
This is not the first time Davis’ willingness to do so has been hinted at. Weeks ago, NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Lakers were looking for another playmaker — hello, Westbrook — both to alleviate the creative burdens of James and Davis, and to “allow James and Davis to spend more time at power forward and center.” He expanded upon that scoop during an appearance on Chad Ford’s “NBA Big Board” show:
“The Lakers are really on the hunt to add that secondary creator. They really want a proven, dependable ballhandler, and the reason is that they know, that even though Anthony Davis doesn’t love playing the 5, and even though LeBron James does not like relinquishing the ball, the Lakers have been fantastic, they’ve been at their best the last couple seasons when Davis moves to the 5, and LeBron plays some 4. So they would like to get someone who can play the 1 and lessen LeBron’s playmaking load.”
Per Cleaning the Glass, the Lakers were 11.8 points per 100 possessions better when Davis played the 5 than they were when he was at the 4 last season, and 20 points per 100 possessions better when LeBron was at the 4 than they were when he plays the 3. So for both of these guys, shifting them up a slot in the lineup would not only make the team more effective overall, it just might allow them to get two more shooters on the floor to un-cramp things for themselves and Westbrook.
That is also the foundation for a strong but quick lineup that should be able to dust teams on the break off of James and Westbrook’s rebounds. The Splash Bros. they are not, but there is more than one way to win in the NBA, and Westbrook, James and Davis in a small-ball unit is (on paper) a dangerous combination, one that can defend more traditional lineups without issue while being much speedier and more skilled on the other end.
It remains to be seen if this is Davis signaling a willingness to actually play center full-time, something he has previously tried to avoid, but this is certainly the most explicit sign yet that he’s at the very least ready to embrace playing center much more than he did last season, when he played a career-low 10% of his minutes at the 5, according to Basketball-Reference. That was likely to avoid wear and tear, but it seems after an offseason of hearing doubters, Davis is much more open to playing his most effective position. That’s great news for Lakers fans and the team itself, and horrible news for the rest of the league.
For more Lakers talk, subscribe to the Silver Screen and Roll podcast feed on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or Google Podcasts. You can follow Harrison on Twitter at @hmfaigen.
Anthony Davis told Russell Westbrook he’d play center more if he came to Lakers - Silver Screen and Roll
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Thursday, July 29, 2021
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NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers acquire Russell Westbrook in deal with Wizards - Silver Screen and Roll
More than two months after LeBron James and Anthony Davis first followed his wife on Instagram and prompted trade rumors that the Lakers wanted to acquire him, Russell Westbrook is finally a Laker. The 2017 MVP asked the Wizards to send him home to Los Angeles, and after several hours of public leaks and negotiations, he has gotten his wish.
The freshly opted in Montrezl Harrell is on the way to Washington, along with Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, as well as the Lakers’ 22nd overall pick. The Lakers will be getting two second-round picks in return, according to Shams Charania of the Athletic:
The Washington Wizards have agreed to trade Russell Westbrook, 2024 second-round pick, 2028 second-round pick to the Los Angeles Lakers for Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell and No. 22 tonight, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 30, 2021
Our own Jacob Rude wrote earlier this week about why a Westbrook trade would be good for the Lakers, and I agree with most of this:
That Westbrook is largely a negative or neutral trade asset does not mean he is a negative or neutral player, however. Last season, he averaged a triple-double for the fourth time in the last five years. While the triple-double has lost some of its significance in recent years, it’s still a remarkable feat of productivity by Westbrook. He also helped carry a depleted Wizards team into the playoffs last season with a remarkable second half of the year
...
And for as much as fans love assets, trading for a proven NBA player, which Westbrook still is, sends a clear message to James, Davis and other stars across the league that the Lakers will do whatever it takes to win a title when that window is open. Westbrook is also still a game-changing player. For all his flaws, he’s a player that can enforce his will onto the game, a rare trait among players in the NBA and one the Lakers would love to have. For all the focus on what he can’t do — namely, make threes — there is a lack of focus on all the productive things he can help with, like igniting the team’s fast break and serving as another playmaker to take pressure off of James and Davis.
Westbrook’s contract is also set to expire after the 2022-23 season, the same as James’, meaning the Lakers aren’t sacrificing financial flexibility in the future either. Los Angeles would still be able to head into the 2023 offseason with Davis and a whole host of cap space to land one or two stars as well.
Westbrook wouldn’t be the perfect fit alongside James and Davis, but it doesn’t mean the Lakers can’t find success with him. Each of the last two Lakers teams, non-shooting point guards in Schröder and Rajon Rondo played prominent roles and had success at times, including winning a title with the latter. Neither of those point guards were as talented as Westbrook in other facets of the game, either.
Westbrook will also ease the offensive load on James and Davis, giving the Lakers the sort of playmaker they’ve been long-rumored to covet. He can also serve as a capable central hub of the offense on nights when LeBron sits out, and absolutely wreck teams while leading non-LeBron bench units. LeBron’s teams have often struggled when he’s not in the game because their backups can’t replicate what LeBron does. Westbrook, for all his faults, can imitate a poor man’s version of that as well as anyone in the league.
It’s also been clear for a while that the Lakers are not as concerned about shooting as many other teams around the league. Rather than prioritize shooters, they’re doubling down on their identity of athletic, organized chaos and star power. There is something to be said for knowing what you are.
Crucially, and barring some other player being included in a sign-and-trade to the Lakers if the deal is expanded, this deal allows the Lakers to avoid the hard cap, which could let them to keep players like Talen Horton-Tucker, Alex Caruso and even Dennis Schröder (although that last one seems unlikely). Still, the Lakers are more flexible with this deal than they would be if they were acquiring a player in a sign-and-trade, and that is a positive.
This is a lot to give up, but the Lakers are counting on their talent and figuring out the rest later. Given that they did not seem to really have any desire to keep Schröder, acquiring Westbrook also makes sense as a way to get themselves the third star they have sought, and may have been the best of a lot of not great, hard-cap initiating sign-and-trade options in free agency.
The fit may not be perfect, but there is still a chance the Lakers can figure this out and embrace this new quick, strong and athletic identity en route to title contention. This is a worthy gamble, even if there is a chance that this much explosiveness and volatility in two offseasons since winning the title results in everything going up in flames.
For more Lakers talk, subscribe to the Silver Screen and Roll podcast feed on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or Google Podcasts. You can follow Harrison on Twitter at @hmfaigen.
NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers acquire Russell Westbrook in deal with Wizards - Silver Screen and Roll
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Olympic medal count: Japan and China neck and neck in gold race - Nikkei Asia
TOKYO -- The Tokyo Olympics got underway last week and the competition for gold medals is hot, especially between China, the U.S. and Japan. In Thursday's events, China set a new world record in winning the gold medal in the women's 4 x 200-meter freestyle after two American swimmers -- Robert Finke in the men's 800-meter freestyle and Caeleb Dressel in the men's 100-meter freestyle -- won gold medals, helping the U.S. in its race for gold against China and Japan.
Follow the latest Olympics developments on our blog.
Read our breakdown of the events to watch.
Medal count (As of July 29)
*Russia is not competing officially in the Games following a doping ban, but some of its athletes are participating as individuals under the umbrella of the Russian Olympic Committee.
Olympic medal count: Japan and China neck and neck in gold race - Nikkei Asia
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Hidilyn Diaz credits mental health group in her Olympic success - ANC 24/7
Duterte to Hidilyn Diaz: Congratulations, let bygones be bygones - Rappler
Diaz is also set to receive the Presidential Medal of Merit, a recognition given by the government to individuals for "gaining prestige for the country in an international event, in the fields of literature, the sciences, the arts, entertainment, and other civilian fields of endeavor that foster national pride and artistic excellence," according to Executive Order No. 236, series of 2003.
Duterte to Hidilyn Diaz: Congratulations, let bygones be bygones - Rappler
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Olympics: Pacquiao delighted for compatriot Eumir Marcial - Rappler
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- Olympics: Pacquiao delighted for compatriot Eumir Marcial Rappler
- Eumir Marcial flaunts power in Olympic debut INQUIRER.net
- Boxer Eumir Marcial one victory away from Olympics medal Yahoo Philippines News
- Eumir Marcial stops foe in 1st round, advances to quarterfinals ESPN Philippines
- Eumir Marcial downs Algerian foe, books quarterfinals spot CNN Philippines
- View Full coverage on Google News
Olympics: Pacquiao delighted for compatriot Eumir Marcial - Rappler
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Hidilyn Diaz to get additional P5 million from gov't for Olympic records - Rappler
Delfin Dioquino dreamt of being a PBA player, but he did not have the skills to make it. So he pursued the next best thing to being an athlete – to write about them. He took up journalism at the University of Santo Tomas and joined Rappler as soon as he graduated in 2017.
Hidilyn Diaz to get additional P5 million from gov't for Olympic records - Rappler
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Olympics-Boxing-'One win away from medal': Pacquiao delighted for compatriot Marcial - Reuters
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TOKYO, July 29 (Reuters) - Filipino Eumir Marcial advanced to the quarter-finals of the Tokyo Games middleweight boxing tournament on Thursday after an accidental headbutt opened up a gash above his opponent's eye and forced the referee to stop the bout.
The 25-year-old has drawn comparisons with his countryman, eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao, who was quick to offer his congratulations after the first-round stoppage against Algeria's Younes Nemouchi.
"Eumir Marcial is one win away from a medal!" Pacquiao tweeted.
Marcial said he was just grateful to be at the Tokyo Games after failing to qualify for Rio in 2016.
"I'm so thankful. I'll do my best performance in the next fight," he said. "After I didn't make the Rio Olympics I worked hard for this."
Marcial has been preparing under the tutelage of Pacquiao's Hall-of-Fame trainer Freddie Roach after turning professional last year.
Hailing from a boxing family -- his father trained him from the age of seven -- Marcial has said he was especially driven to succeed after his oldest brother, who funded his schooling through difficult times, died suddenly last October.
His brother Eliver left behind six children, whom Marcial hopes to help support through his boxing career.
The Filipino will fight Armenia's Arman Darchinyan, who has also trained under Roach, in the quarter-finals on Sunday.
MARY KOM BOWS OUT
Veteran Indian flyweight and the face of women's boxing Mary Kom narrowly lost in a split decision to Colombian Ingrit Lorena Valencia Victoria.
"Split decision is just a name," the 38-year-old mother-of-four said.
"I stayed calm, focused. I have the advantage of experience, but she is young, she is the future... For me, I have been fighting 20 years."
Kom, who won the bronze medal in London 2012 and has the Olympic rings tattooed on her left arm, said she would not rule out another run in Paris if the age limit was lifted. For Tokyo 2020, it was initially set at 40 and raised to 41 due to the one-year postponement.
"I'm still strong enough," she said. "It's here, (and) it's here," she added, pointing to her heart and head.
"For 20 years all my focus has been on fighting and I know all my country is with me."
Slideshow: Best of July 29
Tokyo 2020 Olympics - BMX Racing - Men's Individual - Quarterfinal - AUP - Ariake Urban Sports Park, Tokyo, Japan – July 29, 2021. Giacomo Fantoni of Italy, Alfredo Campo of Ecuador, Anthony Dean of Australia, Connor Fields of the United States, Carlos Ramirez of Colombia and David Graf of Switzerland in action. REUTERS/Christian Hartmann
Reporting by Chang-Ran Kim; Editing by Peter Rutherford and Clare Fallon
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Olympics-Boxing-'One win away from medal': Pacquiao delighted for compatriot Marcial - Reuters
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The Philippines welcomes home nation's first Olympic gold medallist, Hidilyn Diaz - South China Morning Post
The Philippines welcomes home nation's first Olympic gold medallist, Hidilyn Diaz - South China Morning Post
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Olympic medal count: China now leads US and Japan in gold race - Nikkei Asia
TOKYO -- The Tokyo Olympics got underway last week and the competition for gold medals is hot, especially between China, the U.S. and Japan. In Thursday's events, China set a new world record in winning the gold medal in the women's 4 x 200-meter freestyle after two American swimmers -- Robert Finke in the men's 800-meter freestyle and Caeleb Dressel in the men's 100-meter freestyle -- won gold medals, helping the U.S. in its race for gold against China and Japan.
Follow the latest Olympics developments on our blog.
Read our breakdown of the events to watch.
Medal count (As of July 29)
*Russia is not competing officially in the Games following a doping ban, but some of its athletes are participating as individuals under the umbrella of the Russian Olympic Committee.
Olympic medal count: China now leads US and Japan in gold race - Nikkei Asia
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Irish Magno exits Tokyo Olympics boxing round of 16 - Rappler
More commonly known as Bee, Beatrice Go is a multimedia sports reporter for Rappler, who covers Philippine sports governance, national teams, football, and the UAAP. Stay tuned for her news and features on Philippine sports and videos like the Rappler Athlete’s Corner and Rappler Sports Timeout.
Irish Magno exits Tokyo Olympics boxing round of 16 - Rappler
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Hidilyn Diaz to be honored with 'First Olympic Gold Stamp' - ABS-CBN News
MANILA - The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) will issue a stamp in honor of Filipina weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz for winning the country's elusive first Olympic gold.
"Hidilyn, your feat made us all proud. The Philippines’ long wait for its 'First Olympic Gold Stamp' since we joined the Olympics in 1924 finally happened," PHLpost Postmaster General Norman Fulgencio said in a statement Wednesday.
Fulgencio said he had immediately tasked the creative team at the government-owned and controlled corporation to design the stamp after Diaz's win.
“The Post Office wanted the public to experience the victory and excitement of this historic win and even inspire young people to excel in their chosen sports following the footsteps of our own Filipino pride, Ms. Hidilyn Diaz," he said.
“This is our own way of honoring and acknowledging their great effort and contribution to society," he added.
Postage stamps have been used around the world to commemorate, in miniature, significant events and people. The value of stamps increased with time, turning it into an important part of a country’s identity.
As the country's first Olympic gold medalist, Diaz is also set to receive at least P33 million incentives from the government and private sector.
Diaz will also get unlimited flights, a house and free food for life in various restaurants.
Zamboanga City, Diaz's hometown, will also build a memorial in her honor.
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Hidilyn Diaz to be honored with 'First Olympic Gold Stamp' - ABS-CBN News
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