ALLAN THE MAN

Former University of the East Red Warriors varsity Ruben Zaballa continue to pursue his passion for basketball as he plays for one of two teams which will represent Spain in the semifinals and finals of the 3x3 FIBA World Tour in Istanbul, Turkey this October.

The Barcelona-based player is the only Filipino among the 18 elite players who competed during the elimination rounds in Spain.

Calvin Abueva was a contender for Best Player of the Conference in the Philippine Cup and the Commissioner’s Cup.

Each time, despite impressive statistics, the Alaska Aces star rookie came up short after not getting enough votes from fellow players and members of the media.

The PBA Developmental League has announced the addition of a rookie draft prior to the start of the 2014 season, the league said in a statement on the official PBA Twitter account.

In the past, clubs were free to sign any players without restrictions, but the introduction of the draft looks to even the playing field by reducing the number of 'super teams' with stacked rosters.

The camp of Manny Pacquiao has denied that the Filipino superstar is going bankrupt after earning millions of dollars from professional boxing.

In a SPIN report by Snow Badua, Pacquiao’s chief of staff Roger “Haplas” Fernandez said just because his boss has decided to sell his Los Angeles mansion doesn’t mean he’s running out of money.

Asia’s No. 1 point guard Jayson Castro said yesterday he was never approached by a supposed NBA scout for the New York Knicks evaluating players at the recent FIBA-Asia Championships here but if there’s a chance to try out, why not? Castro’s agent Danny Espiritu confirmed the scout’s presence although he, too, was not approached.

“I wasn’t introduced to him,” said Espiritu. “I told Jayson for sure, he’ll be approached during the FIBA World Cup in Spain.”

Three days before anti-pork barrel rallies planned in key cities nationwide – the first major demonstration during his administration that has been anchored on an anti-corruption slogan – President Benigno Aquino III announced that it is time to abolish the lawmakers' Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

Media reports and a special state audit have found billions in senators' and congressmen's PDAF going to dubious non-governmental organizations, which in turn reported ghost projects and beneficiaries.

Being one of seven teams that has already qualified for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup, the Gilas Pilipinas is all geared up for Spain. We look ahead to our competition and (as a basketball-crazy nation) who we're excited to see our players matchup with.

Teams at the world stage pride themselves of a team-first mentality, and as such, there aren't too many players who really stand out. We know some of them though as they have shown their skills in other more popular venues, like the NBA and even the Spanish league.