Celtics will be champs

The Boston Celtics nearly bagged its 18th NBA Championship last season, losing to the experienced Golden State Warriors by two games. They barged to the finals despite injury to center Robert Williams.  The Celtics are missing one of the best rim protectors but they have made remarkable adjustments.  7’2” Luke Kornet proved he’s a valuable asset not only in rebounding but in defense as well. While “Old Man” Al Horford is shaming the younger players in the league by averaging 30 minutes. Sam Hauser picked up by the Celtics, as an undrafted free agent has become one of the NBA  best shooters. Of course, the biggest catch is 29-year old Michael Brogdon who was traded by Indiana.  Brogdon averaged 19 points and 6 assists per game and spells Marcus Smart, the reigning  “Defensive Player of the Year”. The other ‘’catch” is Danilo Galinari, who idolized Larry Bird at an early age.  The 34-year old power forward signed a 2 year contract  $ 13.2 million with the Celtics. Galinari helped the Atlantic Hawks to the Eastern Finals last season.   But too bad, He got injured (torn ACL left knee) playing for his native Italy in the World Cup and will be out for the rest of the season. Another guard helping the Celtics drive for another crown is a 6 year guard Derrick White, who was traded by the San Antonio Spurs and averaged 10.5 points per game. There’s also the other Williams, 6‘6”  power forward Grant and sweet- shooting point guard Payton Pritchard. Veteran power forward Blake Griffin 33, traded from Brooklyn also provides more muscle for the team. And lastly, two of the league’s hottest scorers Jayson Tatum who averages 30.5 ppg and Jaylen Brown with 25.6 ppg.  Add Noah Vonleh, another big man at 6’10” from Brooklyn. The Celtics currently lead  the NBA with a 15-4 record and if Robert Williams returns next month, the Celtics are looking to a Merry Christmas.

David Bunevacz  goes to jail

In a previous column, I wrote that former national athlete David Bunevacz might go to jail for fraud. Well, it came a bit earlier as a US District court sentenced Bunevacz to 17 years in federal prison for amassing some $35 million  from more than 100 victim-investors in his cannabis vaping business in a purported pyramiding scheme. Bunevacz 53, was likewise ordered to pay $35,267,851 in restitution. Bunevacz misappropriate the last majority of the funds to pay his lavish lifestyle including a luxurious house in Calabasas, California, Las Vegas trips, jewelry, handbags, lavish birthday party for his daughter and horses. Prosecutors said Bunevacz raised tens of millions of dollars from at least 10 investors. Bunevacz a former University of California, Los Angeles decathlete, competed for the Philippines in the 1997 Sea Games where he won a gold medal after the original medalist were disqualified over failed drug tests. Bunevacz married Filipino actress and model Jessica Rodriguez in October 2000 and they had 3 children. Former Darna star Anjanette Abayari, his former live in partner, said he sold her car and Rolex watch worth Php 250,000 and her condo unit without her consent in 2024.