Open the doors

Today is a day that will change the color of Philippine basketball. For the first time in more than a decade, the doors will be open to players who want to become part of the Philippine men’s basketball team to the Asian Games in Pusan, Korea in September. Many have been invited, few will be chosen.

"They’ll be filling up some forms, and we’ll be doing some talking, but there are still a lot of players who’ll be missing," said RP head coach Ron Jacobs. "The San Miguel and Sta. Lucia players won’t be there, and the Batangas, Cebu and Negros players won’t make it. Plus some players will be undergoing surgery."

Nevertheless, it will be an exciting time, for many reasons. This will be the first time many players will be trying out for a national team, particularly the new breed of Fil-Ams who have been dominating the PBA. Secondly, we have finally acknowledged that we will have to make adjustments in how we select players. Size, for example, may be the ultimate premium. Third, there are some superstars who have been part of the landscape for many seasons who will face the painful prospect of being cut from the team. Particularly for older players like Alvin Patrimonio and Johnny Abarrientos who have had to adapt to the changing times, the possibility of not making the national team looms very large.

Another first will be the opportunity for PBA, MBA and PBL players to join forces for the first time. It will be interesting to watch scrimmages and see Asi Taulava, Eric Menk, Romel Adducul, John Ferriols, Ronald Tubid and Renren Ritualo playing with or against each other. Each of the PBA teams saw action against various college teams in pre-season exhibitions, but they didn’t share the ball with the amateurs.

In my opinion, the frontline will be the easiest to fill up, and it will most likely be filled with Fil-Ams. Let’s face it; they’ve raised the bar for the big man in recent years. Five years ago, Marlou Aquino was the only player standing over 6-5 in the pros. Now, he’s far from being alone.

Those who don’t play center or power forward will have to adapt if they’re to make the cut. That means we’ll likely see 6-5 small forwards, and everyone else will be bumped down.

The guards will be a trickier situation. Since the 1980’s, there has not really been a big crop of outside shooters or oversized slashers. Multiple-position players like Alaska’s John Arigo, San Miguel Beer’s Danny Seigle, and even San Juan’s Rafi Reavis may have an advantage. But, like it or not, a slot or two will have to be saved for players in the mold of Chris Calaguio, Ritualo or Noy Castillo. Outside shooting is still the great equalizer in international competition, more so since the amateur distance will be used in Korea.

Now, who will play the point for this team? Will Jacobs and company opt to convert a taller two-guard or small forward like Kenneth Duremdes into a 1, or will we live with the traditional small, lean lead guards we’re used to?

Let us also acknowledge the huge sacrifice that the PBA is making with regards to going to a two-import format to allow two teams of candidates to play in the PBA. Aside from the added expense, the appeal of a two-import format is questionable. In 1990, when the PBA missed the services of its resident stars for the first week of the third conference due to the Asian Games, they implemented the two-import format as a band-aid. Needless to say, the results were less than spectacular.

But let me add this: after the Asian Games, the Basketball Association of the Philippines must assume responsibility for the formation of a full-time national team. Let’s stop using the PBA, MBA and PBL to cover for our lack of preparation in this matter. As First Gentleman Mike Arroyo told then RP coach Boycie Zamar the night before the SEA Games opened in Kuala Lumpur "Matalo na tayo sa lahat, huwag lang sa basketbol."

Training a committed band of nationalists year-round in our country’s favorite sports will set BAP president Tiny Literal apart from his predecessors. If not, then nothing will have changed.

* * *

The Golf Authority (TGA) Jungolfers Club Poveda chapter will be launched via an 18-hole fund-raising tournament on December 14 at the historic Wack Wack west course, for a long time the home of the Philippine Open. TGA staff, led by prominent teaching pro Bong Lopez hope to develop future national and international players from their present crop of students.

Club chairman and president Andrew Pineda is intent on an organized, scientific training regimen to help their students achieve excellence in the sport. The tournament is presented by Bingo Bonanza, with Pagoda Phils., and Nippon Express Phils., Corp. as co-sponsors. Hole sponsors are Herma group, David Ty, Alex Lichaytoo/Bacchus International, Manny Abelardo, Southpoint driving range, Nestle, GLY Development, Tony Yap, Minola, Mead Johnson, Katya Margarita dela Cruz, Toy Kingdom, Cocolife and Phil. Alliance.

As an aside, I’ve heard that tournament organizer and dear friend Len Gregorio was duped out of a large amount of her own money in a business venture with a certain police Lt. Jacinto Malinao. If this is true, I hope that the proper authorities resolve this matter soonest, for the offending party’s sake.