The superbody

Friday night was a night of fellowship in the basketball community, as over 200 officials, players, coaches and friends of the sport gathered at the football field beside Moro Lorenzo Sports Center on the idyllic campus of the Ateneo de Manila. But they were there for more than the lechon baka and drinks. They were also there to forge a new path for Philippine basketball.

At the instigation of some college basketball officials, among them Fr. Tito Caluag of the Ateneo, this informal summit was organized for many reasons. First was to smoke the peace pipe and bury the hatchet among those in the community who had misconstrued each other’s passion for personal affronts, or for general biases in any case. Next, decide what we really want to do with our favorite sport.

The idea of a superbody has always floated in the air. Ever since the decline of a government body — and even the privately run national sports association — clear direction for basketball — or any sport, for that matter — has always been perceived as lacking. I have some suggestions for those contemplating bringing their heads together.

Patronage. Who would run such a group? Admittedly, there are hundreds of experts in various facets of the game. There must be someone whom everyone will be willing to follow, unless a moratorium on bickering is declared over the next couple of years. Who would have the business savvy and involvement in the affairs of the sport to such a degree that, when he talks, everybody listens?

General direction. Once someone backs up the superbody, there must be general guidelines regarding policy and direction. One of my greatest disappointments was being head of the National Capitol Region delegation to the first Sports Summit, only to have nothing happen. There were two sequels to this ambitious event, but, sadly, nothing came out of them. Worse, many of us who laid the groundwork for the first one weren’t even invited to the second or third.

Regular conferences. There must be constant consultation regarding the affairs of the sport. For example, if FIBA were to declare new rule changes, what would our stand be? If there were a need to join a certain tournament, whom would we send? Consensus has always been the scarcest commodity in this country, and not just in affairs of sport.

Streamlining schedules. Basketball is mostly a year-round affair here, unlike in other countries. If we are to plan participation in international tournaments, conduct seminars, workshops or generally bring the fraternity together, we have to do it in a manner that does not impinge on any one member league or group.

Sourcing of talent. Perhaps the one facet of the game that escapes our attention: scouting. How do we recruit talent, not just for the national team, but for our amateur and professional leagues? Why is our television coverage of the sport primarily limited to Metro Manila and Luzon? Why don’t we have a regular feeder system for the PBL, MBA and PBA? Don’t you find it ironic that Fil-Ams from 10,000 miles away have a pipeline into the country, while talents from the Visayas and Mindanao can’t break into the majors?

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I had the great pleasure of being at the Manila Southwoods Saturday for the 2001 Chairman’s Cup, in honor of the approaching birthday of Southwoods chair Bob Sobrepeña. I was astounded that 300 participants actually entered, a record field for an event of this kind. The Legends and Masters courses were filled, and even the newly inaugurated driving range was swelling with members and guests.

"Every year we’ve noticed the growing field, the growing sponsors, and it’s really a tribute to the event and to the club," Sobrepeña said.

Manila Southwoods has become arguably the best-run club in the industry, and the Chairman’s Cup, the climax of its season, has experienced very open and generous support from its sponsors. Nelson de Villa even won a brand-new Mitsubishi Lancer GSR in the raffle that capped the event. I asked the chairman about the secret of the club’s success in spite of the hard times.

"The venue, the club, the course, the course conditions, the competition, of course, and the great prizes we give out afterwards. People generally look forward to it, and the camaraderie is also quite special."

Congratulations to the chairman and Manila Southwoods for a great time, too.