Waiting for a call

There’s no truth to the rumor that the Staples Center in Los Angeles was named after Curtis Javon Staples, the US NCAA’s all-time leading three-point shooter. But there’s truth to the rumor that Staples, 25, is dying to play in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

In fact, Staples was here for a week last August. Player agent Danny Espiritu brought in Staples and desperately tried to find the crack long-distance bomber a job. Espiritu, whose stable lists over 150 pros, is new in the import recruiting game. Former Mobiline import Jerod Ward was his first client. Staples would’ve been his second.

Espiritu initially took Staples to San Miguel Beer but coach Joseph Uichico had made up his mind to bring back Lamont Strothers. You can’t blame Uichico – Strothers led the Beermen to the Governors Cup title last season. Then, Espiritu tried Barangay Ginebra but coach Allan Caidic found Staples – who stands about six feet flat – too short. Again, you can’t blame Caidic. He wanted an import close to the 6-4 ceiling, someone who could match up – height-wise – against the likes of Derrick Brown and Damien Owens.

Next, Espiritu brought Staples to a Phone Pals’ practice but alas, neither coach Louie Alas nor team manager Frankie Lim was around – they were both in the US scouting for an import. Staples, raring to play, suited up anyway and scrimmaged with the guys. He leisurely knocked in seven triples as if to say how-do-you-do. Espiritu later learned that Alas had decided to sign up Brandon Williams.

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Running out of options, Espiritu asked Pop Cola team manager Elmer Yanga if he wanted to size up Staples. Why not, replied Yanga. Who wouldn’t want to see the NCAA’s most prolific three-point gunner ever in action? Yanga told Rosell Ellis – already in town to play in the Third Conference – that Staples would show up at practice but assured him of his spot on the roster. Ellis skipped practice the day Staples came. In a scrimmage, Staples again ripped the cords for seven treys – par for the course.

Thanks but no thanks, Pop Cola officials told Espiritu after the scrimmage. Ellis was their man. Staples couldn’t be accommodated. No hard feelings. It wasn’t because Staples wasn’t good. It’s just that Ellis could do more things – he was bigger, stronger, and more athletic.

Staples enjoyed his Manila vacation and would’ve liked to stay longer. Espiritu says he’s not giving up hope of someday seeing Staples launch his howitzers in the PBA. Staples is just a phone call away, adds Espiritu. His bags are packed, his hands are itching. Staples is sitting at home in Roanoke, Virginia – waiting for the phone to ring.

Each team plays 13 games in the Governors Cup eliminations, notes Espiritu, and some imports may be on their way out. Staples would be an ideal replacement – he’s ready, willing, and able. As for teams that may already be out of contention, Espiritu says why not give Staples a chance to show his wares – even for a few games. Once he starts playing in the PBA, he’ll be back year after year, claims Espiritu.

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Staples played at Patrick Henry High and Prospect Hill before suiting up for Oak Hill Academy as a prep senior in 1993-94, averaging 23.8 points and 3.5 rebounds to power the varsity to a 30-1 record. He was listed among the top 15 high school players in the US by Basketball America.

Staples starred for four years at the University of Virginia. As a freshman in 1994-95, he banged in 103 triples and shot 42.2 percent from three-point range. The Cavaliers varsity posted a 25-9 record and advanced to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament. In 1997, Staples played for the US at the World University Games and fired 11 triples in six games. As a Virginia senior in 1997-98, Staples averaged 18.1 points and buried 130 triples. He finished his NCAA career with a record 413 treys.

Staples, who takes at least 1,000 practice shots a day, is a fierce competitor. "It kills me when we lose because I always feel I could have done something to make a difference," he once said.

Los Angeles Clippers coach Jim Mitchell is staking his reputation on Staples whom he describes as "a dedicated and hard-working player."

Espiritu says Staples is a can’t miss proposition. So why isn’t he in the PBA?