Fans behind Flying A - SPORTING CHANCE by Joaquin M. Henson

Johnny Abarrientos will fly for a new team in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) this season but while he’s changed uniforms, his popularity remains the same.

At the PBA’s 27th season inaugural parade last Sunday, Abarrientos was easily the most applauded player. Fans broke into wild applause when he was introduced. Make no mistake about it, he’s still the crowd darling. Everybody loves the underdog and at 173 centimeters, Abarrientos has persistently defied the odds to shine in the big man’s game. The Flying A was the PBA’s Most Valuable Player in 1996 and now, at 30, he’s out to prove he’s far from over the hill.

Initially, there was some bitterness in Abarrientos’ heart when he was dealt to Pop Cola by Alaska, his team of eight years, in the offseason. But he eventually realized it was for the good of all. Alaska needed to redirect its course for the future, Pop Cola looked to upgrade its roster, and Abarrientos dreamed of pursuing another challenge.

Moving to Pop Cola was the best thing to happen to Abarrientos at this stage in his career. He has a chance to take a team, long out of the championship limelight, to the next level. The Flying A had nothing left to prove at Alaska. Now, at Pop Cola, he faces the challenge of leading a team out of the doldrums.

Panthers team manager Elmer Yanga says the players’ morale is high. "The talent is there — now it’s a matter of blending and playing with cohesion," he notes. "We’re all excited to start the season."

Tonight, Pop Cola makes its All-Filipino debut against Red Bull in the nightcap of a PhilSports Arena doubleheader.

Panthers coach Chot Reyes has assembled a mix of veterans and rookies in his bold bid to relive the Concepcion franchise’s past glory. The RFM team hasn’t won a title since 1995 and hasn’t qualified for the semifinals of any conference in two years.

Abarrientos is reuniting with former Alaska teammates Jojo Lastimosa and Poch Juinio. Lastimosa takes on a new role this season as playing assistant coach. Other veterans in the fold are newly-acquired Cris Bolado (from Red Bull for a 2003 second round pick), Pido Jarencio and Rudy Hatfield (from Tanduay), Nelson Asaytono (in the last year of his contract), William Antonio, Estong Ballesteros and Allan Gamboa (in the injured list). Rookies are Jovy Sese, Mon Jose, and Ato Morano.

Gone from last season’s cast are Ali Peek, Noli Locsin, Roel Gomez, Wynne Arboleda, Zaldy Realubit, Marc Victoria, Henry Fernandez, Jon Ordonio, and Billy Reyes.

In all, Reyes is recalling only five holdovers, including Gamboa who played only one game last season and is in the injured list. No other team has undergone as major a facelift.

To spiritually prepare for the coming wars, the team had a bonding session during an overnight stay in Punta Fuego, Nasugbu, two weeks ago. Last Wednesday, the team attended Mass then took dinner in a restaurant at Libis.

Before last Sunday’s parade, I bumped into Abarrientos, Asaytono and Jose at the Big Dome. Abarrientos said he couldn’t wait to get going. "Mabubuhay muli yung kanyang mga ugat na matagal ng patay," joked Abarrientos, pointing to Asaytono. The Bull smiled and agreed. Asaytono said he’s feeling good and feeling strong — that’s bad news for his defenders.

Jose, standing nearby, said he’s learning a lot from Abarrientos. Jose, incidentally, drew cheers from the colegiala crowd during the parade — the good-looking newcomer is expected to vie for honors in the unofficial "Crush Ng Bayan" contest. But how good is Jose? "He’ll back up Johnny," says Yanga. "Simple lang kung maglaro. He plays good defense and orchestrates well. Hindi error-prone. We’ll see how he does."

Against Red Bull, Pop Cola won’t find the sailing to be less than rough.

The Thunder will parade top draft pick Willie Miller in the backcourt where he’ll match up against Abarrientos. Kerby Raymundo, another well-applauded player at the opening parade, is back after a six-game stint in the All-Filipino last year. Holdovers are DaVonn Harp, a much-improved Mick Pennisi, Jimwell Torion (in the injured list), Junthy Valenzuela, Glenn Capacio, Lordy Tugade, Ato Agustin, and Edmund Reyes.

Coming in from the cold are veterans Lowell Briones from the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) and Jay Mendoza from Shell. Briones, a terror at No. 2 in practice games, is expected to make an impact in his PBA comeback. Also in the lineup is rookie Anton Villoria.

Tonight’s game should be a humdinger. Don’t miss it.