Friday, June 06, 2008 Local sports personalities show their loyalties
THE sports world will be at a standstill as local fans focus on the classic rivarly in the NBA finals, a rivarly that has rekindled a few local fans’ interest as well.
“As early as midway through the season, I have already predicted that the Lakers would be the champions. First, there is no stopping the MVP, Kobe.
Secondly, the Lakers do not only have a deep bench, but also have an improved second stringer. Farmar and Vujac’s game have been taken to the next level. Third, the team has won a number of crucial and tight games, which reflect their fighting spirit and decision-making. All these, however, contradict everything the Celtics have. Not only do they have a weak bench, but also have a less effective Ray Allen, who has contributed poorly in the past games. Yes, the Celltics may have four homecourt games, but I am confident that the Lakers would bag at least one away game—in Game 1 or 2 perhaps. Go Lakers.”—Tony del Prado, Regional director, Philippine Taekwondo Federation
“I have been a die-hard Lakers fan for 20 years now and I still have the same belief that they could win. It could be a geographical thing since I have lived in LA and I have a lot of relatives there but then again, the Lakers have the ability, talent and skills to boot. Kobe has come of age. He has matured as a player and I would really like to see him follow Michael Jordan’s footsteps. Celtics has rehashed superstars and their time has passed.—Oscar “Boying” Rodriguez, Danao City Councilor and cycling patron, who regretted not buying a finals ticket. He was “heart-broken” years ago when he had a ticket reserved six months before the playoffs only for the Lakers to be upset by Houston.
“If I were to predict, it will have to be the Lakers, 4-2. Because they have been in the playoffs for four years. The Celtics do not have enough experience to bag them the championship. And also, I am from LA.—Chao Sy
“Lakers! They are a young team and they have a good coach.”—Patrick Gregorio BAP-SBP Executive director
“Lakers! Because I have been a huge Lakers fan since Magic and Kareem’s time.” —Ryan Aznar SWU athletic director
“Lakers in 6! Only because Kobe is there and he is unstoppable.”—Jonathan Guardo, Greater Cebu Sports Organizing Committee
“Four-two for the Lakers. Because they have Kobe, a deep bench and a coach with experience. Having a coach with that much number of titles can be a huge thing for the team.—Coach Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba , Cebu City Councilor and Cebu City Sports Commission head.
Pro Celtics
The Tinsletown team may have a few more fans but the Green Machine of Boston have a strong local following as well.
“The hungrier team will win. Boston has the edge if the series will go for seven games as they have the home court advantage.”—Baldomero Estenzo, UC basketball coordinator and Cesafi representative to BAP-SBP
“I am really a Cavs fan because of Lebron. But since they did not make it to the finals, I am rooting for the Boston Celtics because I think they have all the weapons to win a championship. Plus, I don’t like Kobe.”—Ace Binghay, Vice Mayor Balamban, Cycling enthusiast
“I am for Boston Celtics. Because I love underdogs. The LA Lakers already look very formidable—Congressman Monico Puentevella, RP team head of delegation for the Olympics, Philippine Olympic Committee PWA head.
“Celtics because firstly, there have an advantage because they will be playing at home in the first two games. And they are strong home players. Secondly, they have the key players Garnet, Pierce and Allen. They can explode anytime. They also have a strong back-up, who may be a little older but will definitely work fine because of experience.”—Felix Tiukinhoy Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc.
