Another Fil-Am surfaces - SPORTING CHANCE By Joaquin M. Henson

The talent scout who discovered Fil-Am basketball stars Rudy Hatfield, Jay-Jay Helterbrand, and John Arigo has found a new gem.

Rolando Hiso, the former Marikina cycling champion, phoned The STAR yesterday to reveal the identity of his latest protégé. Hiso, 54, has lived in Chicago the last 30 years and works for the US Post Office. On the side, he looks for Fil-Ams and imports to bring to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Hiso excitedly described six-foot guard Robert James Sales Johnson, 21, as "the real thing." Johnson, whose nickname is "Puck," had heard about Hiso bringing Fil-Ams to Manila and asked to represent him as his agent.

"Napanood ko si Robert on tape," said Hiso in a long distance call. "Napanood ko rin si Willie Miller on tape. Sa tingin ko, Robert is a better all-around player. He’s a potential No. 1 draft pick."

Hiso said he has scrutinized Johnson’s birth papers. "Walang kaduda-duda — he’s a legit Fil-Am," continued Hiso. "Nakausap ko na ang kanyang mother, si Erlinda Sales who was born in Catbalogan, Samar. My plan is to authenticate his papers at the Philippine Embassy in Chicago then I’ll bring Robert to Manila after he graduates in June."

Johnson’s parents met and married at Clark Air Base in Angeles City. His father Ronnie was a US Air Force officer. According to Hiso, Johnson’s mother was still a Filipino citizen when he was born in San Diego in 1979.

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"Robert has the talent to play in the IBL (International Basketball League) or the ABA (American Basketball Association) but he wants to try his luck in the PBA," said Hiso. "Sabi niya sa akin, he’ll sign up with one of only two agents — David Falk, who represents Michael Jordan, or me." Obviously, the kid has a sense of humor.

Hiso said the six-foot Johnson has speed, plays tough defense, can shoot the three, jumps like a kangaroo, and is disciplined. "Pwede siyang uno o dos," he noted. "Right now, I think he can go head-to-head against (Johnny) Abarrientos. Once his papers are authenticated, I’ll fly to Manila with him to work on his Bureau of Immigration clearance and Department of Justice confirmation. I want him to apply for the PBA draft next year. Siya ang pagkakaguluhan, for sure."

Hiso said Johnson confided that he’d like to bring his mother back to Samar to visit his 92-year-old grandmother. "To play in the PBA is his chance to come back to the Philippines," said Hiso. "I spoke to his mother who works in a Laundromat and she told me Robert sought me out for three months. He read about me in the STAR website."

In a letter to Hiso, Johnson said playing pro ball has always been his dream. "The reason why I am so focused on going to play in the PBA is not only to be in touch with my Filipino heritage but also to give back to the community," he wrote. "I also want to be able to send my mother and brother back home so they can spend time with their families. The PBA will enable me to give my mother an opportunity of a lifetime. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that I can play in the NBA (National Basketball Association). I know I can. I will get there, it’s just a matter of time. My first stop is the Philippines. I have lots of family there and I would love to be able to spend time with them. I was at Clark Air Base from 1982 to 1986. I want to experience the Philippines again."

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Despite Hiso’s rantings, Johnson’s stats are far from impressive. As a senior at Bellevue University — a Division II school in Nebraska, Johnson averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 34 games this past season. He hit 43.8 percent from the floor and 83.8 percent from the line. A bright note was Johnson knocked in 40 percent of his three-point shots.

Hiso said Johnson isn’t just a good player — he’s also an academic achiever. Next week, he’s scheduled to be conferred an award by the Nebraska Governor as an athletic role model. Johnson was a consistent Dean’s Lister majoring in Sports Management with a minor in Communications.

At Bellevue West high school, Johnson was a two-time All-Metro and All-State honorable mention. He was also a two-time All-State golfer. He played at Iowa Western Community, a junior college, under Jim Morris before transferring to Bellevue University under Tod Eisner.

In his bio-data, Johnson said his career goals are "to become financially free and independent, to be a successful citizen, and to trust God."

Of all his discoveries — including Hatfield, Helterbrand, and Arigo, Hiso said Johnson tops the list.

How much of Hiso’s hype is real or imagined remains to be seen.