2008 RP Youth Team

[Coke_Hero2]

I think coach Pumaren would include him right away if he was that good.I think we could also include the young Webb from DLSU.Hope they could include Niko and Ray Parks

Arnold Van Opstal's currently in DLSZ, right? It's really possible that he'd be in DLSU's roster. About Niko Monachini and Ray Parks Jr. joining DLSU, it's really a question of these kids pursuing a college course in the Philippines because we do all know that they want that next step to the pro leagues. It's just a question if they'd go to the NBA, which is, again, a farcry or the PBA, which is really a great stepping stone if they'd desire to.

 

[kerouac822]

Arnold Van Opstal's currently in DLSZ, right? It's really possible that he'd be in DLSU's roster. About Niko Monachini and Ray Parks Jr. joining DLSU, it's really a question of these kids pursuing a college course in the Philippines because we do all know that they want that next step to the pro leagues. It's just a question if they'd go to the NBA, which is, again, a farcry or the PBA, which is really a great stepping stone if they'd desire to.

Monachini is already committed to Yuba College in Sacramento.

As for Parks, it's a bit too early to see where he'll be headed. But I'm sure that his dad's alma mater U of Memphis will be at the top of the list, and Memphis recruiting people are keeping a close watch on him. Imagine that: the #2 team in the nation keeping track of you. Must be one heck of an incentive to step up next year especially since two of their seniors are moving on to high-major programs (Mizzou and Duke).

 

[ankle breaker2]

they better stay in the states than pursue a college a career here. it's good for their respective basketball careers since they are eyeing the NBA. if they want to join the RP team later, then it can be arrange. for now they are still a long shot. they haven't decided yet.

 

[Coke_Hero2]

they better stay in the states than pursue a college a career here. it's good for their respective basketball careers since they are eyeing the NBA. if they want to join the RP team later, then it can be arrange. for now they are still a long shot. they haven't decided yet.

Well, yes. And it's really blunderous to say that Niko Monachini and Ray Parks Jr. had sign some deal stating that they'll play college ball here. Though AdMU could pull that "contract"

 

[pegasus2]

So has Hooptown Produce D1 kids?

I cant really say that they have, but doesn't mean they are not capable. the thing is division 1 school like Mater Dei bring players from different states. I'm talking nationwide and i know some Filipino players that are excellent ball players who transfer to division 1 school but end up not playing because they lack the height, the booster club is a big factor whether your kid play or not then the politics kicks in, so a lot of contributing factor why some of these players don't show up on the stats sheet. not to mention the coaches discriminatory practices toward our kids.my point here is just because a player came from D1 school does not mean anything. without the rest of team and the coach ability to coach during the game and putting the combination of players the team will not go far. it would be very difficult to recruit D1 players because major university like UCLA for instance already monitor their player @ freshmen years. so lets not get too hangup on D1 players there's a lot of players out there that are just as good.
Hoop town is about helping kids become good citizens, they help kids get into college basketball whether it's JC or University.They help kids become responsible, confident and healthy adults while keeping them out of trouble.they grow up with supportive parents that remind them of their heritage and teach them how to give back to the community whether it's here or our Motherland. PEACE

 

[bops2]

How do you know this??? Is this confirmed???

The mom and I regularly exchange e-mails. I update them on what's happening with the team here and she with Niko's career.

Truly sad he can't make it here yet but I'm hoping someday he'll be able to play for flag and country. It was their original intention right on the first e-mail she sent me that's why I endorsed Niko to the SBP.

I'm really looking forward to seeing the boy play for RP but a lot of things have happened since July last year and it looks like Niko is a real talented kid that his dreams of playing in the NBA is shaping up pretty clear this early. We can't really argue with long-term goals.

 

[bball1232]

I cant really say that they have, but doesn't mean they are not capable. Hoop town is about helping kids become good citizens, they help kids get into college basketball whether it's JC or University.They help kids become responsible, confident and healthy adults while keeping them out of trouble.they grow up with supportive parents that remind them of their heritage and teach them how to give back to the community whether it's here or our Motherland. PEACE

Those qualities of being responsible , confident should be a given trait before we even try to recruit them. Why would we be bothered by some hard headed kids? That should not even be a question. If you are not trainable, have an attitude, the team should not even be bothered with this kid regardless of how good the kid is.
I am not putting down what hoopstown does with kids but for them to be providing a minimal talent for the RPYT staff to choose from is where I Have a problem. If the RPYT is going to recruit, lets recruit good players so our country will have a place in the basketball world and not be a non qualifier on Olympics on a regular basis.
Let us not make all these excuses on why the Philippine basketball is not good what we need to do is implement changes and hope to be good.

 

[pegasus2]

bball123 i was wondering if you went to high school here in the u.s.?

 

[rhk1112]

The mom and I regularly exchange e-mails. I update them on what's happening with the team here and she with Niko's career.

Truly sad he can't make it here yet but I'm hoping someday he'll be able to play for flag and country. It was their original intention right on the first e-mail she sent me that's why I endorsed Niko to the SBP.

I'm really looking forward to seeing the boy play for RP but a lot of things have happened since July last year and it looks like Niko is a real talented kid that his dreams of playing in the NBA is shaping up pretty clear this early. We can't really argue with long-term goals.

We're sorry to know he won't be able to play here soon. Am sure a lot of other people are waiting for it, too, considering what he has accomplished there in Canada so far.

I do hope he keeps in mind to get the opportunity to play probably in the PBA 'na' somewhere down the road.

 

[b3lowzro2]

RP youth has game later against the road kings, the complexion of their game changes with the addition of that Kyle Pascual kid

 

[C2Hamm2]

RP youth has game later against the road kings, the complexion of their game changes with the addition of that Kyle Pascual kid

i want to see Norbert as well. can he bang bodies and fight for the rebound? hopefully he can, i think this is an area our youth team needs to work on.

 

[bball1232]

bball123 i was wondering if you went to high school here in the u.s.?

i went to college here in the US. The rest of the family completed HS here and attended 4 years univeristy and Grad schools. Filipino kids raised in the US are very different from the kids in the Philiipines. I believe local kids grown in RP are more refined and disciplined
I do not know what my background got to do with basketball.

Pegasus, are jeff or greg the organizer of Hoopstown that is why you are so defensive about the whole thing.

I believe on what Hooptown does, as a matter of fact Filipino kids I see who are just starting in basketball I have sent to you guys. It's just eversince I have been in the Valley , I have yet to see real talent in Hooptown's roster. i have also seen you guys in Las vegas competing against other AAU Team.
Hooptown is more like the recreational center basketball .

 

[pegasus2]

i don't have any affiliation with hooptown international, don't know the coaches, i first heard of them when a nokia RP youth team came to Calif.

i get defensive when someone put down their own kind. you quote
"Hooptown is a travel team in LA with no good players. Coaches cannot coach either. I do not think this team has produce anybody that has gone to D1 schools.-- mostly JC." then you comeback with this statement "I believe on what Hooptown does," you seem to have a very impressive resume but you remain ignorant and arrogant, i feel sorry for you pal. that's why i ask you where did you attend h.s. to find out how much you really know about the h.s. varsity here in the us. obviously not much. peace

 

[b3lowzro2]

i want to see Norbert as well. can he bang bodies and fight for the rebound? hopefully he can, i think this is an area our youth team needs to work on.

I think most of the seniors as well )

 

[bops2]

We're sorry to know he won't be able to play here soon. Am sure a lot of other people are waiting for it, too, considering what he has accomplished there in Canada so far.

I do hope he keeps in mind to get the opportunity to play probably in the PBA 'na' somewhere down the road.

Yes, I do hope so. Negative (on his part) as it may sound, if things don't work out well in the US, he can always come and play here. But then I'm being selfish.

This is part of his mom's e-mail last January 20:

In March when the Youth Team have their training camp, Niko has scheduled University visits here in Canada and in the US. Timing this year 2008 is not good because he is in Grade 12 and graduating. He has written to Franz Pumaren and Raul Lacson their official adviser to keep an eye on him after High School.

And she sent me this link just this morning:

http://www.canada.com/richmondnews/...=0de4c2e3-11db-4734-977e-e8545a23886c&k=24335

Nevertheless, good luck to the RP Youth team!

 

[ankle breaker2]

it's nice to hear that nico is interested to play here and is in constant communication wit RP's Basketball officials. Hopefully things will go on our side.

 

[bball1232]

i get defensive when someone put down their own kind. you quote
"Hooptown is a travel team in LA with no good players. Coaches cannot coach either. I do not think this team has produce anybody that has gone to D1 schools.-- mostly JC." then you comeback with this statement "I believe on what Hooptown does," you seem to have a very impressive resume but you remain ignorant and arrogant, i feel sorry for you pal. that's why i ask you where did you attend h.s. to find out how much you really know about the h.s. varsity here in the us. obviously not much. peace[/QUOTE]

I have known of Hooptown for a long time, they help kids to play basketball like I said "recreational basketball". There is no competition in Hooptown. It is just a lot of kids wanting to learn and have fun in basketball but not serious to be competing at higher level. If We are trying to recruit players to represent RP then let find "real Players who can play" I have followed HS basketball in the US especially in the Los Angeles area for a long time. I do not think it is being ignorant to say that we need to recruit D1 caliber players for our RPYT if we are going to compete internationally. D1 acceptance in any sport is a very difficult but if that is going to be one of our goal then the chances of getting there is more reacheable since the kids will be training harder and looking forward to this ultimate reward. There are many kids in D1 school who are what we say" Filipino Height" so it means this ia an attainable goal not just for a few but many. If we keep settleling for less the RP basketball will never have a place internationally. HOOPTOWN does well doing social work job , getting HS kids out of trouble and teaching them the basic in basketball but for a higher level basketball I cannot give Hooptown credit. hopefully someday they will get this credit.

Like , I said in the past I know numerous kids here who plays for their heritage country and still go to D1 school here in the US. If we get this kids in our team and not necessarily attending school in the Philippines the RPYT probably will have a better chance of recruiting superior players.

Yes Mater Dei, Oak hill ACADEMY RECRUIT ALL OVER THE COUNTRY FOR ExCEllent players that is why they are on the top. What is the difference , the RP youth team is trying to recruit around the world, the only problem is the coaches are recruiting from the wrong pool.

Pegasus, if you live in LA area check out some of the AAU travel games this month. (BTI, Dana Pump, BCA are a few I can think of) You will find out that there are many Filipinos who can play and are probably D1 caliber . These kids are not playing for Hooptown because they are already past Hooptown level. Peace

 

[charged2]

Thats great to hear about Nico. Also, will this new Kyle Pascual be playing for RP Youth now? Doesnt he have to go to school, or has he said he will play for a university in the Phils?

 

[Coke_Hero2]

Thats great to hear about Nico. Also, will this new Kyle Pascual be playing for RP Youth now? Doesnt he have to go to school, or has he said he will play for a university in the Phils?

I think Kyle Pascual would be tapped in by the RPYT during the SEABA primers. I didn't see him play against Toyota Otis (based on the boxscores).

 

[Alex072]

tired of being the short athletic kid

tired of being the short athletic kid

i still think we need some dependable tall guys..maybe taller than 6'6 or 6'7...maybe this is a long shot but..it won't hurt if we look for more guys in maybe Europe who has got pinoy blood in 'em.