Sporting Chance

Tanduay star Sonny Alvarado didn't do a Rob Parker or an Al Segova. He didn't skip town because of heat from the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

Gold Rum Masters coach Alfrancis Chua told The STAR yesterday Alvarado left Manila last Friday to bring his pregnant wife Crystal to the US but came back three days later.

Chua insisted that Alvarado's papers are in order and so are Eric Menk's. "Eric's been cleared by (BI) Commissioner (Rufus) Rodriguez," he noted. "I understand only (Asi) Taulava's papers are being questioned but it looks like he'll be cleared too once his mother shows up."

Aside from Alvarado and Menk, another Fil-foreigner might beef up Tanduay's roster in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) this season. Rudy Hatfield, who played for Laguna in the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) last year, is trying out for a spot and so far, has been impressive.

"Rudy's like a small version of Eric," said Chua. "He's about 6-3. Tahimik lang siya, rebounds well, hustles a lot. Not much of an offensive player. Naninibago siya sa practice namin. Sabi niya, this is real basketball."

Chua's prized catch this year is Jeffrey Cariaso who provides a slashing workhorse for Tanduay. "Jeff feels at home with us," continued Chua. "It's like he found his freedom to play. He's still a bit out of shape but he's getting there. I told him he's only an ordinary plane right now -- once he gets in shape, he'll be the `jet' again."

Rookie draft pick Allan Yu could turn out to be Tanduay's surprise package, said Chua. "Matapang `yung bata," gushed Chua. "He plays two or three, can defend bigger guys, and can shoot. We're still evaluating his performance. He told us he'd like to stay no matter what."

Chua said Alvin Magpantay's contract has expired but the lanky La Salle forward might be rehired, even as a reserve or practice player. Jorge Gallent will move to the University of the East as coach Itoy Esguerra's assistant even as he remains in the Tanduay roster.

Gone is Mark Telan who went to Shell in a three-way trade that involved Cariaso.

In all, Chua welcomes back 11 holdovers. Jayvee Gayoso is recovering from a sprained knee and working hard at practice. Pido Jarencio is again in harness. Jason Webb, Chris Cantonjos, Rene Alforque, Derick Bughao, Bobby Jose, and Jomer Rubi are also on board.

On talk that Rubi is transferring to the MBA, Chua said the sharpshooting guard has a live contract. "Araw-araw, he reports for practice but you know our policy, if anyone wants out regardless of a live contract, we won't stop him," said Chua.

As for Webb, Chua said he feels for his brother Hubert who's now in Muntinlupa. "Jayvee and Jorge were with me for the prayers the night before the decision was announced," he recounted. "And on the day itself, I was in the courtroom with Jason. My advice to Jason is to get on with his life. I realize it's something you just can't think about. But he's got a job to do at Tanduay, he's got to play the game."

Webb and three other players stay at the Tanduay quarters in Quiapo. There are 16 rooms like hotel suites in the dorm. The Quiapo complex also has a first-class court and gym.

Chua said team owner Bong Tan is the reason why Tanduay's morale is sky high. "Ibang klase si Bong," added Chua. "He's a boss and a friend. He knows the game -- that's why he's so effective. He's understanding. Of course, minsan, pinapagalitan din kami. But his support is all-out. Akalain mo, kung sumasama sa amin sa kainan, nagkakamay pa siya. Once, sa Tagaytay Highlands, he brought his entire family and slept in a tent just like the players. That's Bong for you."

On team manager David de Joya, Chua said, "Kabarkada si David -- since 1992, nagsama na kami sa Xavier. This year, sana he wears bright colored vests -- baka `yun ang maging lucky charm ng team."

In the coming All-Filipino Conference, Chua said if Tanduay stays healthy, expect big things from the Gold Rum Masters as in making it back to the Finals and maybe, going all the way.

"It won't be easy," said Chua. "All the teams got stronger. We lost a big man but we got a 2-guard plus Hatfield and Yu."

Why is Tanduay so popular? "Because we're a new, young, and aggressive team," Chua replied. "We like to run. Fans like us because we always play to win. Bawal ang tamad sa amin. That's our positive impact. We're a close-knit team, like a family, and fans want to be a part of our family. On the court, we play hard. Off the court, we hang around and joke a lot. We're all friends. There are no stars in our team. You know my philosophy -- when in doubt, shoot. I don't want our guys to hesitate on offense. We don't play by the numbers. We play a free-flowing, exciting game."

Chua said he's surprised that despite entering only its second season in the pros, Tanduay is among the league's most popular clubs. Players are constantly mobbed by fans. Even Chua is hounded by autograph-seekers and it's not because of his hair -- or is it?

"I hear so many players want to play for Tanduay -- that's a good sign," he said. "It means players and fans alike appreciate how we play the game. Imagine, our entire team was invited to appear in `Eat Bulaga' on Saturday -- that tells you something about us."

According to Chua, Tanduay is ready to give `em hell in the PBA this season.