Money in the ‘Banks’

From three straight losses to three straight wins. That’s the story of Shell’s fortunes in the Samsung Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup as coach Perry Ronquillo has raised the Turbo Chargers back from the grave in a Lazarus act engineered by a pair of no-nonsense, steel-nerved, defense-oriented veteran imports.

Shell got off to a dismal 0-2 start with Askia Jones and Sedric Webber in the lineup. Johnny Jackson, a lean 6-7 workhorse off the boards who led the United States Basketball League (USBL) in rebounding two seasons back, flew in to replace Jones but couldn’t stop the club’s slide to a third consecutive setback.

Finally, Shell picked up a win, an 82-81 squeaker over league-leading Red Bull, as Webber shot 40 points and Jackson, 19, last July 16. Three days later, Webber was gone – he said he would consult doctors in the US on his ailing back and if cleared to play, promised to return on the 23rd.

Shell team manager Bobby Villarosa says he’s verifying if Webber – whose long-time girlfriend is a half-Filipina Teresa Hunter – tried out for a National Basketball Association (NBA) team during his leave of absence. If the tryout is confirmed, Webber will be banned from returning to play this conference under the PBA rules.

"I was told he consulted his doctors on his back and was cleared to play," notes Villarosa. "Then, since he was already in the US, his agent suggested a tryout for an NBA team. I’m still checking if the tryout pushed through."

But whether or not the tryout is confirmed, it looks like Webber won’t be back on the 23rd. Webber’s replacement George Banks is like "money in the Banks." With Jackson and Banks, Shell is unbeaten so far. No sense in messing up a good thing.

Villarosa attributes Shell’s turnaround to the "right import combination." He adds, "Now, we’ve got imports who play inside, can rebound, score on put-backs, and defend the middle. So our locals can play their natural positions. Also, Johnny and George are good guys – hindi mayayabang, hindi sinisigawan ang mga locals. They’re matured and experienced. They don’t complain to the refs, they just play their game."

Jackson, 28, is fresh from earning Defensive Player of the Year honors in the USBL where he played a second successive year for the Kansas Cagerz. He averaged 19.4 points and 11.7 rebounds in 27 games, including 26 starts. The previous season, Jackson made the society pages by marrying South African Marsha Van Wyk at halftime of a Kansas-Dodge City game before 2,336 fans at the Bicentennial Center in Salina. Rev. Allen Smith of St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church presided in the mid-game rites. An archway of purple and white balloons was set up for the ceremony. But alas, the Cagerz lost a 96-91 decision in the end. Jackson wore his red-and-white Kansas shooting shirt and shorts while his bride was in a white gown for the wedding.

Jackson never averaged in twin digits in two years playing alongside ex-Sta. Lucia import Ansu Sesay at the University of Mississippi. As a senior in 1995-96, he scored 6.6 points a game and shot 50.8 percent from the field as the Rebels improved their record from 8-19 the previous season to 12-15 under coach Rob Evans.

Banks, 29, played two years at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), the same school that produced Tim Hardaway. As a senior in 1994-95, the long-armed Banks was voted Most Improved Player in the Western Athletic Conference as he averaged 15.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.2 blocked shots.

Banks gained a reputation for his tough defense after eyeballing the likes of Theo Ratliff and Keith Van Horn in college matchups. That reputation boosted Banks’ stock and prompted the Miami Heat to pick him on the second round in the 1995 NBA draft.

Banks never made it to the NBA regular season and established a career as a globetrotting journeyman. He has played in Italy, Israel, Australia and Venezuela. Last season, Banks averaged 17.7 points and 8.2 rebounds for the Maryland Mustangs in the USBL. His wife Christina Seanez is arriving today from Los Angeles to join him here.

As for the locals, Villarosa says they’re inspired by the imports’ heads-up play. Take veteran Gerry Esplana, for instance. He’s back in stride after sitting out the last eight games of the First Conference. Edwin Bacani, who started the last two games for Shell, is delivering at the two-spot. Ronquillo gave Bacani a break for his hard work at practice. Dale Singson, reactivated after ACL surgery, is coming on strong. "His forte is controlling a game," says Villarosa, "and we’re 2-0 since his return." Tony de la Cruz, whom Villarosa describes as "supersipag," averaged 12.5 points the last two outings and is emerging to be a reliable two-way player in Ronquillo’s rotation.

Down the line, Ronquillo has the luxury of tapping the services of Rob Wainwright, Rensy Bajar, Chris Calaguio, Art del Rosario, Jojo Lim, Jun Marzan, Mike Hrabak, and Frederick Canlas.

What about Benjie Paras? Villarosa says the Tower of Power underwent surgery for the reconstruction of his right knee two weeks ago and will be out three to six months. The good news is the root cause of the constant swelling in his knee has been determined and Dr. George Canlas is optimistic Paras will be able to bounce back after rehab.

"Benjie’s desire is still there," says Villarosa. "Kaya pa niya. He realizes he’s not as young as before but he’s dedicated and he can still and wants to play." Paras’ contract expires in 2005 so Shell’s willing to wait until he’s back in shape to relive his MVP glory years as a rookie in 1989 and as an 11-year pro in 1999.

Postscript. Lorenzo Melchor Jr., a Physical Education instructor at the Leyte State University in Alangalang, Leyte, is working on his masteral thesis entitled: "Capabilities of Coaches in DECS VIII: Inputs for Sports Coaching Design." He’s seeking assistance in gathering related studies from published or unpublished works… Germinio Relampagos, an amateur boxing coach of Poblacion, Dagohoy, Bohol, is interested to study R.A. 9064. Perhaps, Congress could provide Relampagos with a copy of the law… Former Philippine Olympic Committee president Col. Julian Malonso recently sent a letter to President Arroyo pinpointing the reasons why the Philippines has deteriorated as a regional sports power – complacency, government, economic intervention, graft and corruption, sex harassment, dynasty and friendship. He also appealed to the President to stop junketeers from traveling abroad to attend sporting events "to set an example to all freeloaders"… On its 15th anniversary, Emerald Headway wants you to experience 15 Fine Pleasures. Buy a copy of your favorite magazine and get a chance to win gift certificates from the country’s finest restaurants, spas, hotels and resorts. Promo is until July 31. For details, call 647-4744/66.