The Vision Is Kept Alive

by Wawet Faustino

Everybody else wanted to count us out. We weren't going down easily. The first two games of K88 Rigmarolers were heartbreakers. Casualties and foul outs plagued the team. The third game wasn't going to be the same.

The start of the game felt like lady luck wasn't on our side. At the 2nd quarter, we were down by twenty (20) points, 39-19!!! Anybody would have blamed the lack of attendance from some of the key players: Chunky and his barreling offense, Mon with his ever reliable game, Jun Cumpas who would be the other key point guard, playing coach Rod whose leadership kept the team composed, Jay with his reliable treys, Rey and his moral boosting antiques and assistant to the coach, and others. But the team had enough players.

The beginning showed how unlucky the team was, forcing Caloy to ask to be taken after committing several turn-overs. The others also seemed to be in a bind, letting the smaller, yet faster opponents get to the basket play after play. The ball didn't seem to like to fall into K88's ring.

The third quarter was a sign that the game wasn't meant to be won. The referees even seemed opposed to K88 calling foul after foul against the team taking them into penalty at half point of the quarter. It was 7 fouls called against K88 versus just 1, yes just 1, for batch 96 (that's right, they're the youngest team who entered the semis.

The fourth quarter started with the team down by around 15 points (I can't really recall by how much but it was something that would make someone expect the team to get their third straight loss and lose the grip on getting back the title).

With Andaluz directing the team, the team slowly clawed back into the game with suffocating defense forcing turn-overs after turn-overs from the other team. We got the lead down to only 8 points at half-point of the quarter. Caloy's start of the game would have made anyone throw in the towel and let somebody else play for the team but this Caloy had the heart. He started blocking shots, and when he felt it wasn't enough, he started stealing the ball right from the hands of the younger, quicker opponents.

The other four players all made their huge contributions. With Bimbo always leading the traps on the ball handlers, Buffalo and Audie easily caught balls and would always trigger fast breaks. If the play is set, Iric would always take the ball hard inside fishing fouls from almost everyone who stood in his way. We had the upperhand. Soon enough, the other team was in penalty. There was one clear mission, drive the ball hard and get fouls. It worked wonders. The players kept their cool and hit one free throw after another. a few minutes left in the game and we caught them. Yes, we were 20 points down and we caught them. It was a game for the books. In the final two minutes we were up by 4 points. It slowly went up to 6 from free throws. The final few seconds saw a futile comeback from the other team. They got two quick three points but time has ran out.

The game ended in what seemed like a game of professionals. The score stood at 102-100. Yes, both teams reached triple digits, no overtime, just 4 regulation quarters of 10 minutes each.

For Team K88 Rigmarolers, it's time to get back the crown!!!

Rest In Peace: Jay Lorenzo

With the deepest of sorrows, the Kumbento88 family bids goodbye to another brother who passed away last June 12, 2009.

Antonio Jay Lorenzo met a fatal motorcycle accident in Carmona, Cavite.

May his soul rest in peace.

We will miss you Jay.

KBBL Season 3 Opening

lifted form Chunky Ramos' email dated 5/2/09

Rigmarolers!

It's on! At 1pm today, May 2, PCC gym, the 3rd season of KBBL will officially commence, 4 games to follow afterward. This edition may prove to be the most competitive based on the participating batches.

Attached are the rules and our official line-up which our 5 man selection committee came up with. It's unfortunate that we were limited to "just" 25 players so not everyone was accommodated. Also, one of our main men from last season is suffering from a severe injury so he will be sidelined this year. A major addition that will not be realized is Giovanni Pineda whom I was told can not make it home until December.

Anyway, with the commitment that we got from our 25 players (kahit nagsasakitan na mga tuhod), and of course with the limitless support from our batch, we will still contend for the championship. .

Will post schedule once it's finalized. Hope to see you at the games!!!

Rigmarole,

Chunky

6'7" Rigmaroler in Manila?

A 6-foot-7 Rigmaroler has been recently sighted here in Manila.

According to a very reliable source, the 6'7" behemoth has been spotted roaming the tiangge shops of the Philippines' shopping capital, Greenhills. The tallest Rigmaroler is supposedly on vacation here in the Philippines for a short time.

This report, however, cannot be confirmed as recent correspondences with the said Rigmaroler have indicated that he shall not be going home until December later this year.

This rumor has stirred interest, especially in view of the upcoming opening of the 3rd Kumbento Boys' Basketball League. His height, let alone his basketball skills, shall be a tremendous boost to the campaign of this season's solidified effort to bring back the crown to the Centennial Team.

So will the real Giovanni Pineda please stand up?

KBBL Season 3 Opens on May 2

lifted from Chunky Ramos' email dated 4/24/09

Rigmarolers,

There was a meeeting last night at PCC which Teyob attended. It's a go on May 2, we are being asked to submit final line-up and entry fee on Wed, Apr. 29.

There's a change in the participating teams as batch 83 has decided to rest their old, weary legs. However, batch 95 has come forward to take their place. Teams and brackets are as follows:

Bracket A 87, K88, 89, 90, 91, PCC GC
Bracket B 93, 94, 95, 99, 00, PCC GC

We're now the second oldest batch, buti na lang 1 team na lang tayo, making us more competitive. Kaya lang since 25 lang ang allowed sa line-up (we tried haggling for additional but was turned down), not everyone can be accommodated. A 5 man selection committe made up of 2 players each from K88A and K88B and a member of our management / coaching staff has been tasked to come-up with our line-up.

I will post as soon as they have finalized, told them to come up with their decision not later than Sat as we still need to have new uniforms made. Criteria are availability, skill and attitude.

Rigmarole,

Chunky