Ominous sign for Pop Cola - SPORTING CHANCE by Joaquin M. Henson

When Chot Reyes was an Alaska assistant coach in 1991, he’ll never forget an incident during the First Conference in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Team owner Fred Uytengsu showed up at practice the day before a knockout game and spoke to the players in the gym. He scribbled 16 on a blackboard and said in previous 16 conferences, Alaska had always advanced beyond the eliminations. Uytengsu challenged coach Tim Cone’s boys to preserve the streak. As it turned out, Alaska lost and the streak was broken. But in the Third Conference that same season, Cone’s charges bounced back with a vengeance to win Alaska’s first-ever PBA title.

"It was the first year Tim used the triangle so there were adjustments that had to be made," recalled Reyes. "Maybe, it took that loss to wake us up because Alaska went on to become the winningest PBA franchise in the 1990s."

Reyes now calls the shots for Pop Cola. Last year — his first at the Panthers’ helm, Reyes piloted the team to an overall record of 12-22 – an improvement from the previous season’s 8-25. There were moments of glory despite the bleak showing. At least, Pop Cola made it to two quarterfinals and posted a pair of four-game win skeins.

The low point came in the Governors Cup as the Panthers lost their last six outings and for the first time in his PBA coaching career, Reyes wound up failing to survive the eliminations. His consolation is there could be a parallel to Alaska’s 1991 experience.

"We’re hoping for the best," said Reyes who also coached at Purefoods and Sta. Lucia Realty. "We’re thinking positive. We’re not dwelling on the past — we’re looking forward. People tend to forget our gains last year. In the Third Conference, we started at 2-1 then (Sean) Green got hurt, we lost two in a row, then Harold (Ellis) sent word he was ready to come back but never came. We also lost Nelson (Asaytono) to injuries. Because of our changes, we’ve become a more balanced team — now, we’ve got horses. Personally, I can’t wait for the season to start."

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In the offseason, Pop Cola undertook a major lineup revamp. Gone are Ali Peek, Noli Locsin, Jon Ordonio, and Marc Victoria. During the Governors Cup, Zaldy Realubit left for Tanduay. Newcomers are Johnny Abarrientos, Poch Juinio, Rudy Hatfield, and Pido Jarencio. Holdovers include Jojo Lastimosa, Wynne Arboleda, Asaytono, Henry Fernandez, Allan Gamboa, and Estong Ballesteros. An offer has been made to renew William Antonio but his Los Angeles-based agent Paul Howard has yet to come to terms. Roel Gomez’ fate depends on whom the team will draft on Jan. 14.

"At the end of last season, we knew we had to address our deficiency at point guard," said Reyes. "We had to balance our situation at power forward by getting a legitimate center and we looked to improve our athletic ability. We’re lucky we’ve done all of that. In the Alaska trade, we solved our point guard and center problems. We realized to get something of value, we had to give up something of value. In one deal, we got Johnny and Poch — it was too good not to do. Poch is only two years older than Ali and Johnny is excited to play again — he feels the need for redemption, he’s determined to play with a vengeance. As for Rudy, parang hulog sa langit siya. I’ve known Rudy for years. I met his mother even before he started playing here. I recommended him to Laguna in the MBA (Metropolitan Basketball Association) and he was signed, sight unseen. When Tanduay got the chance to sign him, I told Al (Chua) he’ll be a big help. We haven’t signed Rudy yet — he’s vacationing in Mexico but we’re in contact with his agent Bill Rosmarino who’s in San Francisco. We expect Rudy to be back in Manila next week."

Reyes said he’s talked to Abarrientos. "He was supposed to leave for the US with his father but hindi na sila natuloy," continued Reyes. "Instead, they vacationed in Cebu na lang – silang mag-ama. He’ll start practicing next week. I talked to Tim before the trade and he assured me Johnny’s only problem was he struggled with the leadership mantle he assumed from Jojo. I’m confident Johnny’ll be back in championship form."

As for the coming draft, Reyes said Pop Cola surrendered its first round pick, No. 4 overall, to Tanduay in the Hatfield trade. If San Miguel Beer opts to give up its No. 10 slot overall to Pop Cola to complete an earlier trade involving Asaytono and Nick Belasco, then the Panthers won’t be draftless in the first round.

"I think it’s 70 percent sure we’ll get the San Miguel pick," said Reyes. "We’ll just have to wait what the final decision is. As for us, we’re still looking for an athlete – we’re looking for a young guy to apprentice at two-guard behind Jojo and Pido. The draft isn’t a strong draft but it’s a deep draft. There are two or three potential stars – players who’ll immediately step in as starters. But there are a lot of solid, team, role players."

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Team manager Elmer Yanga said he expects a highly competitive season – "probably, the PBA’s best because of the balanced lineups." He promised the Panthers will play hard and strive to do their best. "God helps those who help themselves – we’re ready to play 100 percent," he added. "If we play hard, victory will come. Chot, Johnny, Jojo, and Poch are already attuned to each other. (Team owner) Joey (Concepcion) is excited about the developments. Of course, all major decisions are cleared by him so he’s aware of what changes we’ve done."

Yanga said he’s anticipating a breakout for Asaytono. "Nelson had an operation last October to remove a bone spur and repair a torn ligament in his foot," he continued. He’s fine now and I know he’ll be challenged. He’s in the last year of his contract so magpapakita siya, for sure."

Yanga said the team will still undergo some fine-tuning for salary cap purposes but looks basically complete. "Poch is our center, Rudy will play No. 4, Johnny is our point guard, Nelson our No. 3, and Jojo, Will, Henry, and Pido will rotate at No. 2," said Yanga. "Then, we’ve got Allan, Estong, Wynne and possibly Roel. It’s not easy to win consistently in the PBA because the league is so strong but we’ll be competitive. Like Chot and the players, I’m excited to start the season."