NBA: Zach LaVine declines 2017 slam dunk contest invite—report
LATEST STORIES Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Zach LaVine. (Mark Blinch/The Canadian Press via AP)Looks like defending two-time NBA slam-dunk champion Zach LaVine will not be looking for a three-peat after all.NBA fans have been salivating over a potential high-flying rematch between NBA studs LaVine and Aaron Gordon, who both captivated audiences with a gravity-defying showdown during last year’s Sprite Slam Dunk competition.ADVERTISEMENT But according to Michael Scotto of Baskeball Insiders, the do-over will not materialize, as the Minnesota Timberwolves guard has declined to defend his title and will forego this year’s festivities.Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine won’t compete in the 2017 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, sources told Basketball Insiders.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSBreak new groundSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC return— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) January 25, 2017 LaVine’s refusal is a letdown for most fans, especially since many believed Gordon was robbed of the victory last year and deserves another shot versus the supremely athletic 21-year-old.Last year, Gordon displayed never-before seen throw downs, capped off by a ridiculous under-the-legs, over-the-mascot dunk which many believed was enough to secure the title.LaVine, however, dazzled with an equally impressive array of 360 and windmill dunks from the charity stripe, which pundits found to be repetitive and eerily similar to one of Gordon’s dunks.Regardless, LaVine came out the victor in one of the best aerial showdowns the league has had in the history of its highly anticipated slam dunk competition.Still, fans will have something to look forward to as the Orlando Magic leaper has confirmed his participation, despite LaVine’s decision to pull out.ADVERTISEMENT Luis Manzano jokes about Mikee Morada’s proposal to Alex Gonzaga: ‘Baka nagtali lang ng sintas’ Motorcycle taxis ‘illegal’ starting next week — LTFRB board member Bulacan inmates, jail guards raise donations for Taal victims Palace: Crisis over ABS-CBN franchise unlikely Anne Curtis talks about renewing faith in God amid the world’s ‘noise and clutter’ DILG to lock shops in Tagaytay City, other areas near Taal
Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite Ben&Ben, IV of Spades, SB19 win big at 5th Wish Music Awards MOST READ With Pingris’ guidance, Maliksi strives to play better defense Meanwhile, both the high-flying youngsters are currently enjoying their best seasons in their young careers, with LaVine averaging 19.2 points while shooting over 40 percent from the field. Gordon, on the other hand, logs in 11.6 points per game, and has become one of the go-to guys of the young Magic team.The NBA has yet to announce this year’s official slam dunk participants, but earlier reports have indicated San Antonio leaper Jonathan Simmons and Boston Celtics rookie Jayden Brown as possible contestants.Even contest veterans and former champions Gerald Green and Vince Carter have teased their possible compliance.READ: Vince Carter on joining slam dunk contest: It’s possiblePrior to LaVine’s participation in the 2014-15 season, the dunk contest has been marred by poor showings, but last year’s madness has indeed made it a must-see show once more.Check out the highlights of last year’s LaVine-Gordon duel below. Khristian Ibarrola Marcos monument beside Aquino’s stirs Tarlac town DILG to lock shops in Tagaytay City, other areas near Taal Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next View comments
Luis Manzano jokes about Mikee Morada’s proposal to Alex Gonzaga: ‘Baka nagtali lang ng sintas’ DILG to lock shops in Tagaytay City, other areas near Taal Bulacan inmates, jail guards raise donations for Taal victims Panelo: Duterte only wants to emulate strong political will of Marcos Ben&Ben, IV of Spades, SB19 win big at 5th Wish Music Awards Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite Palace: Crisis over ABS-CBN franchise unlikely LATEST STORIES Jerwin Ancajas keeps crown JP Prince. APTwo American basketball players, Joseph Jones and JP Prince, who are playing in the Iran Super League are stranded in Dubai after Iran imposed bans to United States citizens from entering the country.In a report by Chris Mannix of The Vertical, Jones and Prince were prohibited from returning to Iran, where they play professionally for Azad University Tehran.ADVERTISEMENT Eric Fleisher, the players’ agents, shared that the two were on a team-funded break in Dubai when US President Donald Trump signed the executive order barring refugees and citizens from seven Muslim-dominated countries, including Iran, from entering United States territory.In retaliation, the Iran government issued the same ban to US citizens, with Jones and Prince not spared from the law and found themselves stuck in Dubai.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSBreak new groundSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC return“At the moment they are stranded,” Fleisher said. “It’s a real hardship.”Azad University Tehran management have had talks with the government on possibly softening its stance and resolving the issue, but as of now, fixing these problems seem to be still far off. MOST READ Anne Curtis talks about renewing faith in God amid the world’s ‘noise and clutter’ Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Motorcycle taxis ‘illegal’ starting next week — LTFRB board member Both Jones and Prince could lose at least six figures in salary if they are unable to finish the season.“We are waiting for clarity from the team,” Fleisher said. “It’s tough. It doesn’t look like they can finish the season in Iran. It’s not good to be out of a job. Secondarily, all their things are in Iran. They can’t go back and get them. It’s been difficult.”Jones, a 6-foot-8 big man out of Texas A&M, and Prince, a 6-foot-7 forward who suited up for Arizona and Tennessee, are in their first seasons in the Iran league.ADVERTISEMENT Marcos monument beside Aquino’s stirs Tarlac town View comments
Joseph Sedurifa topped Batangas (1-3) with 20 points and six rebounds, while Anderson and Dan Sara got 12 markers apiece.The scores:RACAL 91 – Onwubere 18, Salado 17, Corpuz 14, Terso 9, Nambatac 7, Cabrera 6, Mangahas 6, Torres 5, Gabayni 3, Flores 2, Gumaru 2, Apreku 1, Gabawan 1, Dagangon 0.BATANGAS 78 – Sedurifa 20, Anderson 12, Sara 12, Dela Pena 10, Lascano 6, De Joya 5, Laude 5, Delfinado 3, Fortu 3, Revadavia 2, Ablaza 0, Magbuhos 0, Mendoza 0.Quarters: 20-17, 43-30, 73-51, 91-78.ADVERTISEMENT Falcons’ flop a new low for Atlanta’s sad sporting history PBA IMAGESRacal notched its third straight victory after repulsing Batangas, 91-78, Tuesday in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at JCSGO Gym in Cubao.Sidney Onwubere got going on offense, firing 18 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals to keep the Tile Masters on top of the standings.ADVERTISEMENT Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Marcos monument beside Aquino’s stirs Tarlac town Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite Motorcycle taxis ‘illegal’ starting next week — LTFRB board member 98% of residents in Taal Volcano’s 14-kilometer danger zone evacuated – DILG Palace: Crisis over ABS-CBN franchise unlikely LATEST STORIES Motorcycle taxis ‘illegal’ starting next week — LTFRB board member Municipal councilor nabbed for indiscriminate firing in Leyte Panelo: Duterte only wants to emulate strong political will of Marcos Kent Salado chimed in 17 markers, six assists, and three boards, while Jackson Corpuz unloaded seven of his 14 points in the second quarter pullaway.“It’s our defense which made the big difference for us,” said Racal coach Jerry Codinera. “We had a slow start, but we remained aggressive in the second quarter and eventually, we’re able to pull away.”FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSBreak new groundSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC returnCorpuz anchored the Tile Masters’ 17-0 blast to break away and take a 40-26 lead.Racal extend its lead to 25, 79-54, before Batangas trimmed the deficit to just 13, 88-75 with a Wilmar Anderson basket with 1:48 to play. Salado, however, would end that run with an undergoal stab to seal the game for good. Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. MOST READ Poe chides LTFRB exec over termination of motorcycle taxi pilot study 15 Taal towns now under total lockdown View comments
MOST READ ‘1917’ takes top honor at the Producers Guild Awards Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite Greene had a short yet colorful collegiate career with Syracuse as he became the school’s first freshman since NBA star Carmelo Anthony to lead the team in scoring averaging 17.7 points per game while also setting the most 3-pointers made in a season by a first-year player with 90.National coach Chot Reyes is also open to the idea of potentially tapping Greene as a naturalized player.“You never know if the situation comes up where he can be naturalized. That’s not a bad thing to have options always,” Reyes told reporters.“But it’s too early to tell. At least, I gave a chance personally to see him and work with him. We saw very little today. I know how he plays from the past, the NBA, and his playing days in Syracuse, but we have to see him actually coming here to play and figure out how he’s going to be able to adapt to the locals, to his teammates. That’s the most important thing.”Greene, a 28th overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2008 NBA Draft, averaged 6.1 points and 2.4 rebounds in 253 games with the Kings. He last saw action in Puerto Rico.ADVERTISEMENT ‘Bad Boys for Life’ debuts so good with box office top spot Marcos monument beside Aquino’s stirs Tarlac town Reyes eager to see Gilas in action during PBA All-Star Prince Harry: ‘No other option’ but to cut royal ties ‘It’s not my shame’: Why Filipino women are calling out sexual misconduct on social media Wildlife rescuers asked to turn over animals to DENR Duterte promises to look for funds to establish rail transport in Cebu LATEST STORIES “Coach asked me if I want to workout with the team, just trying to shake off my legs after a long flight,” said Greene, who spent four seasons with the Sacramento Kings. “It’s good to come out and have them see me. then maybe, possibly, down the road play with the team.”“Philippine basketball is growing. It’s definitely world-known so be a part of that will be a blessing,” Greene added.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSBreak new groundSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC returnThe 29-year-old Greene also said he’s familiar with the team’s current naturalized player Andray Blatche.“I’ve known Andray Blatche for a while, he’s from Syracuse, I’m went to Syracuse so I’ve known him for a while.” Taal Volcano evacuees warned against going home Palace: Crisis over ABC-CBN franchise unlikely Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Donte Greene #20 the Sacramento Kings saves the ball from going out of bounds during their game against the Miami Heat at ARCO Arena on December 11, 2010 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images/AFPFormer NBA veteran Donte Greene is open to the possibility of suiting up for the Philippine national team as a naturalized player.Greene, who has been tapped as import by TNT in the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, joined Gilas Pilipinas pool training at Meralco Gym to get some work in before he makes his debut with the KaTropa on Friday.ADVERTISEMENT View comments
MOST READ View comments Trump’s impeachment defense, prosecutors dig in End of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legend Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next The Stags led for majority of the game and looked like they were cruising at 80-71, before baskets by Richard Escoto and Arvin Tolentino cut the deficit to three points.Ramirez then took over with seven straight points to put away the Stags, who dropped to 6-2.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC returnSPORTSBreak new groundFEU actually stayed in the thick of the fight with its hot shooting, nailing 15 triples.Meanwhile, Arellano U overcame University of the Philippines, 73-68, while Lyceum blasted University of Santo Tomas, 127-88. Presidency bid needs ‘deep reflection’ – Sara Duterte Already out of the running for a place in the knockout round, the Chiefs went out in style, scoring a fourth straight victory for an even 4-4 card.The loss was a huge blow to the Maroons, who need to beat National U on Wednesday to reach the quarterfinals.Arellano’s consolation was complicating the life of UP which now needs to defeat National University this Wednesday to advance to the quarterfinals stage.The Fighting Maroons started hot, winning their first three matches. They have since gone 1-3 in their last four matches.ADVERTISEMENT Duterte’s ‘soft heart’ could save ABS-CBN, says election lawyer New recruit RJ Ramirez sustained his solid play as Far Eastern U turned back San Sebastian, 84-80, on Monday for its seventh win in eight games in the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup.Ramirez, the Filipino-Canadian raised in Toronto, fired 18 points, including the Tamaraws’ last seven, as FEU completed its fightback from nine points down in the last 3:38 of the game.ADVERTISEMENT Torres fifth in KTM Asia bike race Ai-Ai delas Alas on Jiro Manio: ‘Sana pinahalagahan niya ang naitulong ko’ Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite For Ina, portraying a zombie is like an ‘out-of-body experience’ Swing Out Sister back to PH this April China reports 17 new cases in viral pneumonia outbreak Gerald: Just because I’ve been bashed doesn’t mean I’d stop working Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. LATEST STORIES
There was no vote of no confidence lodged against president Handel Lamey and his board at the Amateur Swimming Association of Jamaica’s (ASAJ) executive council meeting this evening.Various local swimming clubs’ have made complaints about the handling of affairs between themselves and the body. The proposed vote of no confidence would have been the second lodged since an unsuccessful attempt last December.However, the meeting which lasted just over three hours, at the Sports Development Foundation headquarters at Phoenix Avenue, in St Andrew, saw matters concerning the leaking of council affairs to sponsors and members of the press discussed. Preparations for the upcoming Carifta Games was also on the agenda.The meeting was attended by members of the executive council, as well as representatives of the swimming clubs across the island.
Lawrence added that many supporters have commended him for his show of strength in such trying times, but he is convinced his mother’s situation didn’t impact the team’s performance during the loss, as they have been preparing for their maiden RSPL campaign for months. “Despite what was happening, I had to put it behind me. After the game, [that was the] time for suffering and pain. It’s something we had to do. My mother passed and there is nothing much I can do. You have to go on; you can’t let it stress you. You have to do what is required and get the job done. “People say I am tough, but they don’t know the hurt inside. But I don’t think what happened to my mother changed anything (Monday) because we have been making preparations for months. One incident or one day cannot stop whatever we have planned,” he said. Lawrence’s mother, Patsy Thompson, 65, passed away in hospital last Saturday morning after being admitted the evening before due to persistent vomiting and diarrhoea. However, while having tea in the morning, Thompson collapsed and passed away. Formerly of Granville, she was living with Lawrence at the time of her death. SHOW OFSTRENGTH Watching former Reggae Boyz goalkeeper Aaron Lawrence on the sidelines as Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) debutants Sandals South Coast took on defending champions Arnett Gardens in a live televised opening-round fixture at the Anthony Spaulding on Monday, you would never get the impression that the former national shot-stopper had lost his mother two days earlier. On the surface, the ex-Reno player looked his usual self, issuing instructions and directing play from the sidelines in his team’s 1-3 loss, even though on the inside, he was distraught and going through pain. But although Lawrence is suffering, he says sports is his medicine, and only football could help him forget his struggles. “Sports and football is like medicine for everyone. Things will happen at home or to you, and when it’s time to play football or your favourite sport, everything gets better. Your mind is at rest until you are finished. Then you start to focus on the negative [again], and then you start to hurt. “So it (football) really helps me to take my mind off things. I have to take my mind off the hurting and what happened with my mother. I love my mother. I miss her,” he lamented. “She has done a lot when there was no father – just me, her, my brother and sister – and football has helped me to get over these obstacles.”
With the Reggae Girlz’s bandwagon now rapidly mushrooming into a king-size caravan, the narrative has swiftly moved from the sublime to the ridiculous, as it relates to the addition of new players to the squad heading into the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which would automatically mean the replacement of some members of the current squad. The spiralling outbursts were in response to recent pronouncements made by assistant coach Andrew Price that during the girlz’ trip to England, the coaching staff would be exploring the option of inviting England based players who possibly could add quality to the current team. The rebuttals to Price’s suggestion have been as emotional as they have been irrational. The common sentiment seems to be that the coaching staff, and, by extension, the Jamaica Football Federation, should show total respect and loyalty to the girls, who, through their blood, sweat, and tears, actually put Jamaican football on this historic pedestal, and not be tempted to venture down the road of replacing any of these girls with players who might want to jump on to the bandwagon for the big show. It is obvious that the overkill of foreign-born players that diminished the Reggae Boyz’ standing over the last two or three World Cup qualifying campaigns is fresh in the minds of the purveyors of these misguided ideals. The simple fact of the matter is though that as historic and as novel as the achievement of the Girlz’s qualification has been, it’s still a mere qualification, a ticket to the big dance, so to speak. This is not a case of one set of girls winning a tournament and the coaching staff or the Federation unfairly sending replacements to attend the trophy presentation and awards ceremony. The World Cup is a massive stage, and prime opportunity to represent and showcase Jamaica’s women’s football. The best teams in the World will be competing for the biggest prize in the sport. The responsibility of the coaching staff and the federation must be to select and prepare a team to best represent Jamaica on that premier platform. Don’t close the doors To venture down the road of closing the doors on possibly improving the team is both myopic and foolhardy. In addition to the increasing amounts paid to all the teams that qualified for the showpiece event, just last week, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced a 100 per cent increase in overall prize money for next year’s tournament, up from US$15 million (over JA$2 billion) to US$30 million (over JA$4 billion), as well as preparation funding of approximately US$500,000 (over JA$67 million) per team. Also, there is the introduction of a Club Benefits Programme aimed at rewarding the clubs of all the players participating in the tournament with a total of over US$8 million (over JA$1 billion). All of this is in addition to the cumulative sums to be earned by each team, depending on how they finish the tournament. These are hard-core incentives, not just to qualify for the World Cup, but to advance as far into the tournament as possible. It is also an incentive to continue to qualify and make progress consistently in many World Cups to come, thus the logical need to ensure the constant improvement of the team. The notion of unflinching and immovable loyalty to the current set of Reggae Girlz is akin to an English Football League Championship team in England gaining promotion to the Premier League, and out of loyalty to the players who gained them promotion the club, management refuses to add the better-quality players to their roster, which would be needed to keep the team competitive enough to maintain its Premier League status. It is absolutely incumbent on the Jamaican coaching staff to open their minds to the clear objective of Jamaica fielding our best possible team at the World Cup. It is an important balancing the act aimed at improving the stock of the Reggae Girlz for the World Cup finals in France and beyond. We need to shed the emotions and understand that qualifying for the World Cup is not the end game, but rather the beginning of a new game. In that regard, we must aim to improve the team so we can bring our best game.
Roston Chase struck an impressive 94 runs and Shai Hope added 77 not out, as the West Indies easily disposed of Afghanistan in the first of three One Day Internationals on Wednesday. Replying to the Afghan’s 194 runs, the Windies, 197-3, cruised to their target in 46.3 overs to start their series on a winning note. Earlier, Jason Holder’s 2-21, Chase, who claimed 2-31 and Romario Shepherd (2-32), bundled out the Afghanistan batsmen for a paltry 194 off 45.2 overs despite a defiant 61 from Rahmat Shah, who received support from Ikram Alikhil, 58 and Asghar Afghan, 35 runs. Both teams will now turn their attention to the second ODI, which starts at 3:30 a.m. (Jamaica time) on Saturday.
Asif Nawaz Production is celebrating its 20th year of existence in fine style on Saturday, July 29 at the Guyana National Stadium with an event called “Chutney Evolution 2K7”.Kavita MaharajThe event will be done in three segments – the first will be a kid’s fun park and will feature amazing and engaging activities for the entire family such as face painting, bouncy castle, trampoline and there will be several cartoon characters to add to the excitement. This commences at 14:00h.The second part will be a concert featuring some of the best in the chutney business. These include reigning International Chutney Monarch, Ravi B, Bollywood singing sensation Bindu Kohli, Trinidad’s superstars Kavita Maharaj; Chutney ambassador D Hitman; singing sensation Jesh Ramnanan, De Sexy Reshma Ramlall; rising star Aykeel Ali, sexy Shelia, Joel Gansham, Celia Samaroo and the Shakti Strings Crossover Band.Bindu KohliAdding some flavours to the show will be the Eshara Dance Troupe and the Shelita Dancers. Crown Vibes will be in charge of the sounds and lighting. However, the third segment will be the grand fireworks at the stroke of midnight followed by a champagne toast that will epitomise the promoter’s heartfelt gratitude and vehement respect for all its supporters – past, present and future.Asif NewazThere will be a special VIP section as well as a VVIP setting for sponsors and special guests, as well as the typical economy category for those thrifty concert-goers. Meanwhile, tickets for the event cost $1000 for general admission and $3000 for the VIP experience. Tickets for the event can be uplifted at regular ticketing locations.