The Pinoy Invasion

Most of you remember Rafe Bartholomew, who back in February wrote a ferociously awesome post on style in Philippine hoops. Anyway, tomorrow Rafe's honest-to-god book on the subject, Pacific Rims: Beermen Ballin' in Flip-Flops and the Philippines' Unlikely Love Affair with Basketballarrives at stores, or sites, near you. I have lent my good name and most effusive words to the back jacket of Pacific Rims, and I meant every word of it; this is a phenomenal piece of basketball writing that belongs on your nightstand whether or not you even knew the PBA existed, or could care less about the island nation it calls home. Brilliant stuff, and you're remiss as a reader of FD (however occasional) if you don't cop that.

Rafe will be stopping by later in the week with a guest lecture, but until then, be checking his site for updates on his every move, or photos from his time there. I know he's doing something for SLAM Online tomorrow. His previous blog, Manila Vanilla, is chock full of good stuff if you simply can't wait. The above archival was jacked, in a hurry, from MV—here's the story behind it. And really, you need to support this book if you want sports writing with a brain to continue on this planet.

If you miss me at all, check out this thing I wrote yesterday about Kobe, Bron, Wilt, Russell, and man's need to destroy each other.