Kobe Paras impresses in B.league debut, but Niigata loses to Kyoto | ABS-CBN

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Kobe Paras impresses in B.league debut, but Niigata loses to Kyoto

Kobe Paras impresses in B.league debut, but Niigata loses to Kyoto

ABS-CBN News

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Kobe Paras during his debut for Niigata Albirex. From Japan B.League Facebook
Kobe Paras during his debut for Niigata Albirex. From Japan B.League Facebook

Kobe Paras made an impressive debut in the Japan B.League, scoring 25 points including 4 treys and 2 steals on Saturday.

His performance, however, was not enough to save his team Niigata Arbirex BB from an 85-81 defeat to Kyoto Hannaryz.

The former University of the Philippines Maroons player surged with 11 points in the first quarter during his first game in the B.League.

He helped Niigata put up a 50-41 halftime advantage.

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But Hannaryz clawed their way back in the second half and went toe-to-toe with Arbirex in the payoff period.

Former TNT reinforcement David Simon pushed Kyoto ahead with a basket followed up by Kazuki Hozokawa's trey, 84-79.

Niigita still had a chance to win the game, as Paras intercepted the ball.

But Yuto Nohmi saw his 3-point attempt bounce off, and Justin Harper split his freebies for Hannaryz. Niigita will again play Kyoto on Sunday.

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Volleyball

It's official: Casiey Dongallo, 3 others leave UE, transfer to UP

It's official: Casiey Dongallo, 3 others leave UE, transfer to UP

ABS-CBN News

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Updated Jan 15, 2025 01:02 PM PHT

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Casiey Dongallo and Jelai Gajero during practice with the UP women's volleyball team. Handout/UP OASDCasiey Dongallo and Jelai Gajero during practice with the UP women's volleyball team. Handout/UP OASD

MANILA -- Casiey Dongallo, the record-holder for most points as a rookie in UAAP women's volleyball, has completed her transfer to the University of the Philippines along with three other players from the University of the East.

UP announced on Wednesday that Dongallo, together with setter Kizzie Madriaga, Jelai Gajero, and Jenalyn Umayam, are now part of their women's volleyball program. 

They will serve a one-year residency period before being eligible to play in UAAP Season 88. Because of the league's new rules on transfers, they will have two seasons of eligibility left with the Fighting Maroons.

Their transfer comes shortly before the start of the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament, concluding a saga that came to the fore in December when Dr. Obet Vital, the interim head coach of the Lady Warriors, resigned from his post.

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Vital is now part of the UP women's volleyball program as well, set to oversee their training pool and serve as an assistant coach to Benson Bocboc. He will also spearhead UP's grassroots program. 

Dongallo was the runner-up for Rookie of the Year honors in Season 86, where she scored a freshman-record 291 points and led the Lady Warriors to a 3-11 win-loss slate.

Next year, she, Madriaga, Gajero, and Umayam are tipped to reinforce a roster that still features middle blocker Nina Ytang and Kianne Olango.

Rumors that Dongallo will leave UE for another school began even when she was still playing for the Lady Warriors in Season 86. At the time, the star spiker shut down the possibility, insisting that she had no plans of leaving.

The circumstances have clearly changed, however.

"It's about time na palakasin din natin ang volleyball teams natin because they have great potential to be another source for unity ng UP community," said UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development Director Bo Perasol.

"We welcome the entry of Doc Obet and his players 'di lang para palakasin ang WVT, but to also show that we're turning serious about competing in volleyball," he added.

Dr. Obet Vital along with UP head coach Benson Bocboc. Handout/UP OASDDr. Obet Vital along with UP head coach Benson Bocboc. Handout/UP OASD

In UP, Vital is expected to continue guiding the development of the players, a program that started when they were all suiting up for California Academy in Antipolo. Moreover, they hope to play a big role in lifting the Fighting Maroons back into contention and reigniting the UP community's passion for the sport.

UP has not made the Final 4 in women's volleyball since 2017, when the likes of Tots Carlos and Isa Molde were carrying the fight for State U. In the Season 86 tournament, they labored to a one-win campaign -- incidentally, their lone victory came at the expense of the UE Lady Warriors.

"Their arrival is a sign that Mr. Frank Lao, SGA [Strong Group Athletics], and OASD are really sincere in developing the UP volleyball program. Their addition to our roster, together with our recruits this year, will definitely make our team a contender in the following years," said UP volleyball program director Oliver Almadro.

While Dongallo and company serve their residency in Season 87, UP will bank on Ytang and Olango, along with veterans Nica Celis and Irah Jaboneta, as well as youngsters Yesha Noceja and Bienne Bansil and one-and-done dynamo Kassy Doering.

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