The 2014 NBA Finals: That's The Way The Cookie Crumbles

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The 2014 NBA Finals:  That's The Way The Cookie Crumbles

            I am a Miami Heat fan, rooting for the Southeastern Florida based team to win their 3rd championship in a row. When Miami Heat evened the series at 1-1, Miami gained home court advantage, heading to game 3 at the American Airlines Arena.  I was delighted and expected the series to be just as exciting as last year's finals featuring the same teams.

            But San Antonio Coach Greg Popovich did something that was like a bolt from the blue that suddenly changed the complexion of the game and of the series. He and the Spurs made some key adjustments and came to Miami well prepared for Games 3 and 4. Aside from relying on the usual low post for Tim Duncan, or the screen and slide, or the quick ball movement with snipers shooting from beyond the arc, another dimension was added to its offensive thrust. Almost all players took turns driving towards the basket, in the process showcasing their individual talents.  Leonard, Green, Diaw, Mills, Ginobilli, to name a few. But, at the same time, there was a pattern in their execution. Most players were moving even without the ball, switching positions as the ball is quickly passed to the man that pops out near the basket.  They had many options and one of these options was to pass to the open man for 2 or 3 points. There was an avalance of points for the Spurs. It was not in spurts; theirs was a game-long brilliance. It was as if the Spurs were electronically programmed. 

            On their part, Miami Heat tried to plug the loopholes in their defense but to no avail. They were rattled. The Spurs were relentless in attacking the basket. There was no stopping the Spurs. The Heat were almost always one step behind. San Antonio was playing precision basketball. Even on defense, they were astounding.  They clogged the shaded lane, making it hard for Lebron James and Dwayne Wade.  There was no denying that the Heat were totally dominated, totally outclassed.  It was complete mastery.

             It is now 3-1, with the Spurs on the threshold of winning another championship, after losing to the very same team last year. No team in NBA history has come back from a 3-1 deficit in the finals. Game 5 is scheduled on Monday, June 16 at San Antonio.  I have been telling friends that I have decided not to watch that game.  For I am expecting the same results.  Miami Heat will again be humiliated.  And when Miami is subjected to humiliation, I feel humiliated too. I cannot bear seeing the defending champions being outclassed, outplayed and outgunned again and again.  I do not want to see shredded pieces of colored paper raining inside the AT&T arena in San Antonio. I cannot bear hearing the Tejanos say: "Viva San Antonio...Campeones del mundo. " 

- Konted

San Antonio cheering squad (examiner pic; caption is mine)

Tim Duncan and Coach Greg Popovich of San Antonio Spurs.  Duncan, from Virgin Islands, is a 4-time NBA champion. Popovich is regarded as one of  the greatest coaches of all time. (newyorkcbs.local pic; caption is mine)

San Antonio's Kawhi Leonard makes it hard for Miami's Lebron James.  Leonard is only 22 yrs. old. (bleacherreport pic; caption is mine)

Miami Heat winning Game 2 of the championship series (hoopshabit; caption is mine)

Patty Mills of San Antonio drives all the way to the basket.  Mills is a revelation.(smh.com.cu photo; caption is mine)

Tony Parker attacking the basket.  He penetrates the shaded lane and creates situations for his teammates. (celticslife; caption is mine)

Heat's Dwayne Wade trying to penetrate as Chris Bosh sets the pick.(vavel; caption is mine)

Tony Parker, Tim Duncan and Boris Diaw are key players of the Spurs. (hoopshabit pic; caption is mine)

Manu Ginobilli of San Antonio is still good for 3 more years.

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Chiang Kai Shek at Padre Algue

Chiang Kai Shek at Padre Algue

            

             Henry Sy, Sr. is a Chinese-Filipino businessman who established the SM Group of Companies.  He is considered the richest man in the Philippines. Lucio Tan, another Chinese-Filipino tycoon, owns Fortune Tobacco Corporation, Philippine Air Lines, Allied Bank and other business establishments.  He is the second richest man in the country. Tony Tan Caktiong is another Chinese Filipino entrepreneur who founded Jollibee Foods Corporation which boasts of 1,480 outlets around the world. Now, what do they have in common?  While all three are highly successful businessmen, they all attended the same school.  All three are alumni of Chiang Kai Shek College, having finished their secondary education at the said school. Sy, Tan and Tan Caktiong are only three of the many distinguished alumni of Chiang Kai Shek College.

             Chiang Kai Shek College was established in 1939 by Wong Chun Seng and Yu Ke Thai who had the support of the prominent Chinese residents of Manila.  The school was named after Generalissimo Chiang Kai Shek of the Republic of China. Located at Padre Algue Street in Tondo, Manila, Chiang Kai Shek had only 273 students during its initial year.  The school's population has ballooned to more than 7,000 students, as of the latest count.

             Chiang Kai Shek College is recognized by the Philippine Government and by the Republic of China. Included in its curriculum are Chinese subjects such as Chinese Literature, Chinese Mathematics and Chinese Culture. The school is situated at the very heart of Tondo. It is near the Divisoria Market, the business establishments along Recto Avenue and Jose Abad Santos Avenue and Manila Chinatown.  Another school near it is the St.Stephen High School at the corner of Masangkay St. and Padre Algue. Several blocks away is Uno High School.

             While Chiang Kai Shek has almost complete facilities that help its students acquire a well-rounded education, notable is the school gymnasium. In the 60s, 70s and 80s, when there was a dearth in good playing courts, Chiang Kai Shek's gymnasium was one of the best. Prestigious tournaments were held there. This brings to mind another outstanding high school alumnus, Lim Eng Beng. Perhaps the best cager produced by Chang Kai Shek, Lim Eng Beng transferred to DLSU in college and  led the La Salle Green Archers to the NCAA championship in 1971 and 1974. Turning pro, Lim was one of the key players of the Utex Wranglers when the team won two PBA titles in 1978 and 1980. He is one of PBA's 25 greatest players.  And Lim Eng Beng acknowledges to this day that his basketball skills were honed at Chiang Kai Shek, the old school at Padre Algue.

- Konted

Chang Kai Shek College is located at Padre Algue in Tondo, Manila.

The grade school and high school building

The school's quadrangle

Combined Vision and Mission statement of Chiang Kai Shek

Chiang Kai Shek boasts of a fully-equipped gymnasium.

Prestigious tournaments are regularly held here.

Chiang Kai Shek Vs. Marist School

The gymnasium has a seating capacity of 2,500.

The school is sports oriented, having won titles in different fields of sports.

More trophies on display at the hallway

Henry Sy, Sr. of SM Prime Holdings. He is the Philippines' richest man. He finished his secondary education at Chiang Kai Shek College.  (people.nfo photo; caption is mine)

Lucio Tan owns Fortune Tobacco, Allied Bank, Philippine Air Lines and Asia Brewery, among others. (michaelyana photo; caption is mine)

Tony Tan Caktiong is the founder of Jollibee Foods Corporation. (people.nfo photo; caption is mine)

Lim Eng Beng is one of PBA's 25 Greatest Players. He is considered as the greatest player produced by Chang Kai Shek.

St. Stephen High School is near Chiang Kai Shek.

Entrance to St. Stephen High School on Masangkay St.

Wharton Park suites near Chiang Kai Shek

The new pedestrian overpass at the corner of Recto Avenue and Jose Abad Santos Avenue.  This is one block away from Padre Algue Street where Chiang Kai Shek College is located.  This is also near Divisoria market.

A billboard announces that there is a daily night market at Divisoria. In background is the new 999 Shopping Mall in Divisoria.

.A view of Divisoria from the overpass.

Jose Abad Santos Avenue ends at Recto Avenue. The portion of the street after crossing Recto Avenue is named Reina Regente. There is heavy traffic as a vital project of the MWSS is underway.

Recto Avenue as viewed from the overpass.  Chiang Kai Shek College at Padre Algue is only one block away.

Time to eat again at Wai Ying along Benavidez St.  It is within walking distance from Chiang Kai Shek. Photo above shows a combination of chicken feet, spare ribs and white rice.

Beef and Wanton Noodles

Pork Siomai

Asado Rice

Watching the chef do his work.

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