Barber shop talk

Imagine a barber shop on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Barbers and customers are talking about their favorite topic–basketball. Politics? Not on a Sunday, please. They’d rather talk about the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) because the new season is opening in a few days–this Sunday, to be exact.

In our hoops-crazy corner of the world, everybody’s an expert. We know better than the referees and sometimes, the coaches. Are we better than the players? Well, let’s just say we know who’s good and who’s not.

Let’s listen to what they’re saying.

"Pare, my bet for rookie of the year is Jimmy Alapag," says a grizzled cage observer, nudging the guy in the barber’s chair beside him. "Did you see him play against Alaska in that exhibition game at La Salle? Whatever (Mike) Cortez did, Alapag did better. Like they were trying to outdo each other. And it was Cortez’ homecourt."

"Yeah, I saw Alapag play in that game," says Customer No. 2. "Small but terrible. Very impressive. Doesn’t look to score. Good leader on the court, like another coach. He had seven assists against Alaska. He’s short but if he takes off his shirt, what a body–he’s all muscle. He’s just what Talk ‘N’ Text needs–a smart point guard who’s like (Johnny) Abarrientos and (Hector) Calma combined."

"Kanya pala wala na sa roster si (Kenny) Evans," butts in the barber clipping the customer’s hair.

"At si Asi (Taulava), he looks awesome–lean and mean, parang when he came back from the ABA (American Basketball Association)," says Customer No. 1. "Did you see Asi score 5-of-10 triples in that Alaska game? I heard he’s taken the responsibility of looking out for his rookie teammates–Alapag, Harvey Carey, and Kahi Villa. Like a big brother. Nakikitira pa yata yung mga rookie kay Asi."

What about Alaska, asks the barber shaving Customer No. 2.

"Okay din," he replies. "Si (Brandon) Cablay, maybe he’s not as explosive as Mark Caguiao but boy, can he jump. Like a kangaroo. He’s super quick.

I think coach (Tim) Cone is trying him out as a point guard. Malakas ang Alaska–lots of Fil-Ams, nine in all, excluding E. J. Feihl who’s not a Fil-Am but may German blood. Cortez will make a difference."

The barber says he’s an Alaska fan. "Matagal na akong Alaska fan kasi may championship tradition," he admits. "Si Cone, mautak at ‘di natatakot na mag-rebuild kung kailangan."

Customer No. 1 says he’s sticking to his favorite team San Miguel Beer.

"May mga bagong player din ang San Miguel–Marlon Legaspi, Arnold Calo and Billy Moody," he notes. "But ang major improvement nanggaling sa loob.

Sina (Dorian) Pena at (Nic) Belasco, they’ve improved a lot. Against Sta. Lucia sa exhibition game, Pena was tough, inikut-ikutan niya si Marlou (Aquino). Si Belasco naman, if he’s hot from the three-point arc, sunod-sunod na ‘yan. Si Moody–he’s from Letran and was in the draft pool last year. He’ll help as a reserve. Si Danny Ildefonso, early April pa makakabalik sa practice because of his foot injury. At si Danny Seigle, later pa. Ang feeling ko, this will be a breakout year for Joey Mente–he’s the next Mr. Excitement at kung under control siya, he can be another Bong Alvarez."

The conversation shifts to veteran players no longer active and Shell. "Wala na si Benjie (Paras) sa Shell," says Customer No. 2. "Pati na rin si Gerry Esplana. Sa Shell, coach Perry (Ronquillo) must find a way to solve his problem in the middle. Kulang sa malalaking tao. Kaya na ba nina Adonis Sta. Maria at Frederick Canlas mag-sentro? Kaya na ba nila si Asi? Makakatulong si (Eddie) Laure but Shell probably needs a dominant center more."

Customer No. 2 points to Shell’s losses to Ginebra and Shell in the preseason as proof. The Turbochargers, without a post threat, bowed to Ginebra by three even as Eric Menk, Romel Adducul and Alex Crisano didn’t suit up. Not a good sign for Shell. The consolation is Ronquillo has a young and energetic lineup. While the present may not be too bright for Shell, the outlook is.

The youngest player taken in the draft, Ronald Tubid, is in the Shell cast. Chris Jackson, the senior statesman, is still around and will anchor the Turbochargers defense. Chris Calaguiao, Mark Hrabak, Dale Singson, Laure, and Tony de la Cruz will be counted on to fuel Ronquillo’s offense.

More barber shop talk tomorrow.

Postscript. All green-blooded parbusters, don’t fail to tee off at 7 a.m. today in the All-La Salle Golf Tournament on the North Course of the Canlubang Golf and Country Club. Tournament fee is P2,300 (inclusive of green fee, caddy fee, golf cart, lunch, door and raffle prizes) for seniors and non-club members and P1,400 for club members. Awards will be for the lowest gross, champion, and first runner-up for Classes A, B, C and ladies.

A "batch" award will be given to the team with at least five players who graduated the same year. The tournament is a prelude to the "(May) Verde Ka Pa Ba?" grand homecoming at La Salle Taft on March 1, starting at 2 p.m. For details, please call the alumni office at 523-6158.