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Hong Kong U21 puts on a defensive masterclass, crushes Philippines U21's medal hopes, 70-56 (79875)

Taipei, Taiwan -- Hong Kong U21 showed why their opponents fear their disruptive, impregnable and tenacious 3-2 zone defense. And it was no different against Philippines U21 as Hong Kong U21 limited their opponents to a very low 19 points in the first half, and ended up getting the important win, 70-56. They also claimed solo lead in Pool C with 4-0 win-loss record.

Meanwhile, Philippines U21 succumbs to another disappointing loss and they are now eliminated from top spot contention. After Australia U21's win against Malaysia U21, Philippines U21 and Australia U21 are now tied at 2-2, with Australia U21 getting the upper hand via superior point differential, making next week's games all important for these two squads.

Technically, Philippines U21 still has a chance to claim Top 2 spot in Pool C, but they need to win the next game against Japan U21 by a very big margin, and most importantly, for Taiwan U21 to lose its final assignment against Malaysia U21. A Taiwan U21 loss, according to basketball pundits, is very improbable, siting the roster comparison between the two teams and Malaysia U21 putting a lot of effort earlier against Australia U21.

Hung Yuk Tak led Hong Kong U21 in scoring with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Man Siu Kwok and Shi Ki Ching provided ample support with 11 points each. Jian Shunlei didn't score in this game, but his presence along the baseline is what mattered as he swatted 9 shots and grabbed 18 boards.

On the other side, Clyde Dexter Widagdo scored 10 points to lead the team. Newcomer Diego Olmos La Santa added 9 points and collected 12 rebounds. Not much to say about the rest of the team, but Coach Leo still praised them all for giving it their best in this game and also commended Hong Kong U21's defensive toughness. "Hong Kong was tough, especially that Shunlei guy. He can reach the stratosphere!"

Philippines U21 now prepares to play the final game of the second round against Japan U21 next week, 30th of June, 6:00PM, Manila time. Please continue to support our U21 team.

And also, congratulations to Philippines Senior team for securing the homecourt in the Asia Cup next season.

Points Leaders:
Clyde Dexter Widagdo - 10 points
Diego Olmos La Santa - 9 points
Seymour Stanley - 7 points

Rebounds Leaders:
Diego Olmos La Santa - 12 rebounds
Atoy Tapia - 9 rebounds
Russel Masias - 8 rebounds

Assists Leaders:
Clyde Dexter Widagdo - 2 assists
Atoy Tapia - 2 assists
Banjo Maximo Vargas - 2 assists
Orlan Sarrosa - 2 assists

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

- Leo

Last edited by Leo (Pilipinas U21) at 6/23/2025 8:45:23 AM

Philippines U21 books a date in the World Cup Barrage, whips Japan U21, 106-68 (79878)

Taipei, Taiwan -- Philippines U21 made sure that their entry to the World Cup Barrage is finalized as they didn't hold back against Japan U21 team, 106-68. Their entry was formalized after Australia U21 lost to Hong Kong U21 earlier, 69-80. With Taiwan U21 manhandling Malaysia U21, 100-60, Philippines U21 won't be entering the semifinals, which is a first in Coach Leo's tenure as the U21 coach/manager of the Philippines.

After a lengthy injury recovery, the sorely-missed stalwart, Leonard Espeño, returns to pick up the slack offensively with 19 points on 7 of 14 field goal shooting. Rojun Abono spearheaded the bench mob with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists, with Banjo Maximo Vargas chipping in 16 points.

Benigno Sasabo continues to shine in the rebounding department, he even led the team in rebounding despite getting off the bench. He grabbed 16 huge rebounds,5 of offensive variety. Victor Perfecto Sumbang shows his complete game by amassing 10 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. He also had 2 steals and 2 blocks to round out his amazing performance.

Japan U21 put up a great fight, but Philippines U21's defense was too much for them to handle. Only Masaaki Kitahara and Tomoharu Daita showed up as they were the only double-digit scorers for their team, compared to Philippines U21 with 6.

World Cup Barrage will be on 7th of July, and the matchups will be announced on 5th of July, noon, at the earliest. Philippines U21 will now await their opponent, which would either be a 3rd place European team or an Americas semifinalist. This is a one-game affair, winner books a ticket to the World Cup next season; loser goes to the Consolation tournament. With that, we're asking for everyone's support. Let's claim it!

Points Leaders:
Leonard Espeño - 19 points
Rojun Abono - 17 points
Banjo Maximo Vargas - 16 points

Rebounds Leaders:
Benigno Sasabo - 16 rebounds
Victor Perfecto Sumbang - 8 rebounds
Ash Julius Javellana - 7 rebounds

Assists Leaders:
Victor Perfecto Sumbang - 5 assists
Joseph Steven Tabernero - 4 assists
Clyde Dexter Widagdo - 4 assists
Rojun Abono - 4 assists

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

- Leo

Good Job Coach Leo! Lezzzzgooooooo!!!

Alright, the World Cup Qualifiers schedule are already released. We got Canada U21 this time.

July 8 5:00 AM (Manila Time)
Canada U21 vs Philippines U21

Again, winner books a ticket to the World Cup next season. Loser goes to Consolation Tournament.

Please support our U21 team on Tuesday. Good luck to all of us!

EDIT:
Good luck also in the draft on Monday (most likely before our WC Qualifier game).

Hope we get decent rookies!

Best regards,
Leo

Last edited by Leo (Pilipinas U21) at 7/5/2025 12:36:57 AM

Goodluck and Congrats Coach, Let's Go

Thank you coach! We'll definitely get 'em!!!

Rock and Roll... to the Worlds! Philippines U21 enters the World Cup after win over Canada U21, 91-61 (80269)

Washington D.C., USA -- Philippines U21 raced to an early lead, and thwarted every comeback attempts by Canada U21, and this led to a very important win for the Filipinos, 91-61. This win gave them a slot in the U21 World Cup next season, which is a first for Coach Leo in his tenure as the U21 manager of the Philippines.

"I'm very grateful for the community's support, especially those who are training their guys and keeping them in tip-top shape.", Coach Leo said in the post-game interview. He also tipped his hat to Canada U21's current manager, Coach Morwood, for being a mentor and a great friend. "We go way back, being his assistant when he was Philippines U21's manager a few seasons back, learned a lot about handling the national team, what tactics to use. Stuff like that helps a lot, especially coming from the winningest Pilipinas U21 manager. Again, I can't thank him enough."

Rojun Abono had his best game in a Pilipinas U21 uniform, scoring 23 points in just 23 minutes off the bench, while Leonard Espeño finished the game with 19 points to cap off this season. Joseph Steven Tabernero, aptly nicknamed "JT Express", delivered a 16-point package, safely and securely. Orchestrating the Philippines U21 offense was Clyde Dexter Widagdo, who dished out 7 assists, and 5 of it were from the 1st quarter alone. The 20-year-old Benigno Sasabo didn't score much, but his defense on Canada U21's monster bigman, Pascal Veilleux, was exemplary after he limited the latter to just 6 of 22 shooting, add to that his 7 rebounds and 5 blocks.

The Filipinos did not do well in the rebounding department as Canada U21 deployed a 3-bigs starting 5, hence the 47-63 disadvantage with the Filipinos not even getting a single offensive rebound in this game, but they made up for it by shooting at a better clip, better passing, and defense.

As for Canada U21, Vernon Owen and Pascal Veilleux secured double-doubles to lead Canada U21's offense. Owen had 16 points, 19 rebounds and 3 blocks, while Veilleux collected 14 points, 11 rebounds and 2 blocks.

On to the next season, where the Philippines U21 will test its mettle against the best U21 teams in the World. Good luck!

Points Leaders:
Rojun Abono - 23 points
Leonard Espeño - 19 points
Joseph Steven Tabernero - 16 points

Rebounds Leaders:
Victor Perfecto Sumbang - 7 rebounds
Benigno Sasabo - 7 rebounds
Laurence Linia - 6 rebounds
Ash Julius Javellana - 6 rebounds

Assists Leaders:
Clyde Dexter Widagdo - 7 assists
Rojun Abono - 3 assists
Ash Julius Javellana - 3 assists

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

- Leo

Alright, this formally ends Season 68. We didn't get the shiny medal, but we managed to sneak into the World Cup. Sa wakas! :D

We now start Season 69... nice! This time, we'll start by scouting the rookies, the future U21 and/or Seniors studs. If you have a decent rookie in your hands, you can mail me, Leo, (54375) or Raddy, (55059) to discuss the training plans.

If in case, you don't have plans to train your rookies, I would like to ask to sell them this week or in the next. It will be more profitable than keeping them in your team untrained and possibly selling sometime in the midseason orlate in the season.

Afterwards, we'll be scouting the 20 and 21 yr olds, especially those who have the chance to suit up for our U21 team.

Two more things, training guide is still up: https://www.buzzerbeater.com/community/forum/read.aspx?thr...

As well as the training simulator: https://www.buzzerbeater.com/community/forum/read.aspx?thr...

I haven't received any concerns about the simulator so far, so please let me know if there's a problem with it.

Good luck sa atin sa Worlds next season!

Best regards,
Leo

Congrats Coach Leo, Ilaban na natin tong paparating na U21 World Cup ;) Chong and Miguel is waiting for the call and may drafted 19yo prospect ako si Vic Dinopol ;) Future is bright for our U21 and NT Pilipinas ;) Keep going

Yes coach, maraming salamat! Ilalaban natin ito!

Ihanda mo na sila Chong at Miguel ;)