Dennis the Menace shatters backboard

Milan — On the eve of the Philippine national basketball team’s debut against Italy at the 5,000-seat Palalido Milano here last night, Dennis Espino smashed a backboard during the visitors’ second practice in the Palestra Crespo gym.

Espino didn’t mean it. But Dennis the Menace lived up to his moniker anyway as he crushed the glass backboard off a thundering reversed dunk about 10 minutes after coach Joseph Uichico called the workout to order. The force of Espino’s jam sent shards of glass flying onto the court. Espino barely escaped injury as he scurried out of harm’s way as the glass disintegrated into bits. Only the snap-back hoop and the backboard’s metal frame stood up to the impact.

News of Espino’s feat seemed to worry Italian national team coordinator Claudio Silvestri who told Philippine-Milan Basketball Association (PMBA) commissioner Mel Nazares the hosts will be prepared for a physical game.

Espino didn’t take full credit for the demolition. He said Danny Seigle earlier shook up the board with a two-handed rim rattler. Espino insisted his dunk just finished the job that Seigle started.

Because of the damage, Uichico could only use one basket for drills although the team ran countless laps the length of the tartan floor in wind sprints. The practice took 3-1/2 hours and was more intense than the previous day.

None of the players complained of jet lag. It was all business in the gym. Uichico went over basic plays in offense and defense. He put an emphasis on the pick-and-roll, rotating off the double team, and screening off to prevent offensive rebounds.

But the undisputed highlight was Espino’s Darryl Dawkins imitation.

Team manager Elmer Yanga, representing sponsor Selecta Ice Cream, said gym operators will not send a bill for the damage. Apparently, the backboard was due for a change. Besides, accidents do happen and the damage was not deliberate. As the visitors left the gym, a maintenance crew prepared to install a new backboard.

Espino said he had never experienced such a shattering moment in his career.

Like his teammates, Espino is optimistic of the national squad’s chances at the Asian Games in Busan this September. "We have a big chance to win the gold," said the 28-year-old Sta. Lucia Realty power forward from Angeles City. "Now, we have the big guys who can play outside and also dominate the boards."