ALLAN THE MAN

Ukraine and Belgium on Monday clinched the last two spots on offer in Group A for the second phase of EuroBasket 2013.

On the final day of opening round action, Ukraine rolled to a big win over Great Britain and Germany defeated Israel, ensuring the Belgians would progress before they ran onto the floor to face the French.

The Brooklyn Nets will retire the No. 5 jersey of Jason Kidd, who led the franchise to its greatest NBA success as a player and is now its coach.

The Nets said Monday the ceremony will take place Oct. 17 before their preseason game against the Miami Heat.

The basketball world has seen many free-throw routines, from Karl Malone's 45-second self-prayer to the more basic dribbles and tosses of the ball.

The idea is for players to have something to fall back upon, to enter a familiar, comfortable space as opposing fans attempt to get in their heads. Everyone, from the worst shooters to the very best, has some routine when they head to the line.

A long overdue trade between the Petron Blaze Boosters and the Air21 Express might be consummated in the next few days.

Sources told that the latest player swap will finally involve Joseph Yeo, who has long been a topic of trade reports.

Defending UAAP basketball champions Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles are set to submit to the league board a letter asking for an investigation on a possible violation committed by suspended UE Red Warrior Ralf Olivares during Sunday's game between the two teams.

The Ateneo management's letter came several hours after UE sought the board to probe the presence of suspended Blue Eagles head coach Bo Perasol in their game last Sunday.

On Tuesday, the Alaska Aces and the San Mig Coffee Mixers will meet for the first time since their Commissioner’s Cup semifinals duel last April.

This means that San Mig Coffee swingman James Yap and Alaska rookie Calvin Abueva will once gain renew their rivalry, which got heated during their series last conference.