Welcoat mulls one-year leave

If Welcoat coach Junel Baculi is to be believed, the Paint Masters may no longer be around for next year’s Philippine Basketball League (PBL) Chairman’s Cup.

Baculi said six of his top players are reportedly joining the 2002 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) draft scheduled next month.

"Six of our players are said to be joining the PBA next year and Welcoat management is seriously thinking of the repercussions of their departure," said Baculi.

"Worst case scenario is that the team might file a leave of absence next conference," added Baculi, who steered the franchise to four titles in the last five conferences.

Renren Ritualo, seeking a slot in the national team that will see action in next year’s Asian Games in Pusan, South Korea, leads the six Welcoat players expected to jump into the PBA. The others are Eugene Tan, Jojo Manalo, Yancy de Ocampo, Celino Cruz and 6-foot-9 Frederick Canlas.

The Paint Masters, however, refused to be bothered by the issue as they carved out an 86-57 demolition of Ateneo-Pioneer to join two others in a tie for second place in the ongoing Challenge Cup at the Makati Coliseum.

It was the seventh victory in 11 games for Welcoat, tying reigning champion Shark Energy Drink and Blue Detergent. ICTSI-La Salle is on top of the field with a 7-3 record.

In the other game, Kutitap survived Ana Freezers as it hacked out a 78-73 victory to keep its quarterfinals hopes alive.

It was the Teeth Sparklers’ fifth win in 11 games while dealing the Freezer Makers their seventh loss against four victories. — Joey Villar