Rebirth of veterans

After eight games in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) All-Filipino Cup, it’s not only the rookies making waves but also veterans who’re enjoying a rebirth in their careers.

Take the case of Talk ‘N’ Text’s Bong Ravena, the PBA’s Rookie of the Year in 1992 and Most Improved Player in 1997. He played seven seasons in the PBA, drifted to the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) in 1999, then returned to the PBA as a prodigal son a year later. Since rejoining the fold, Ravena hasn’t been his usual self–until this season. He was in the doghouse when Louie Alas and Bill Bayno coached Talk ‘N’ Text. Last campaign, Ravena suited up in only five games, averaging 4.0 points and 11 minutes.

It was Phone Pals coach Paul Woolpert who gave Ravena a chance to show his stuff in the All-Filipino Cup last season. Ravena played in Talk ‘N’ Text’s last four games and in the quarterfinals loss to Alaska, shot a season-high 11 points.

This season, Ravena–who’s 32–hasn’t skipped a beat. He knocked in 11 points in 22 minutes in the Phone Pals’ season opener against Shell last Feb. 26. Last Sunday, Ravena clicked for 12 points in 21 minutes, again in a reserve role. He also collected two rebounds, three assists, and three steals.

Ravena, however, is far from over the hump but at least, he’s back on track. To vie for a starting spot, he’s got to dramatically improve on his shot selection. He’s hitting only 9-of-26 from the field so far. Three of his conversions were triples. Without Bong Alvarez and Don Camaso to compete for minutes, Ravena might just find himself playing a lot more this year.

As for Camaso, he, too, is enjoying a rebirth. Last season, he averaged a combined 4.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 13 minutes for Hapee and Talk ‘N’ Text. The 6-5 swingman polished his skills in the MBA before moving to the Piltel club in 2000. When Woolpert cleaned house in the offseason, Camaso was shipped to Alaska–a deal that couldn’t have been better for the lanky, long-armed Caloocan kid.

Alaska has raced to a 2-0 record and Camaso was at the forefront of both wins. Aces coach Tim Cone starts Camaso–who turns 30 on March 16–at the three-spot and he’s delivered significant numbers. In his season debut, Camaso had 10 points, nine rebounds, and three assists in 28 minutes. And last Sunday, he poured in 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in 30 minutes without a turnover.

Another veteran who’s off to a flying start is FedEx’ Jerry Codiñera. Last year, the 36-year-old center averaged 5.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 20 minutes a game as he quietly gave way to Yancy de Ocampo. But Codiñera outdid the New Kid on the Block in the Express’ first game against Red Bull last Friday. He logged 33 minutes–the most of any player in the team–and racked up 18 points–on 7-of-14 field goals and 4-of-7 free throws–plus eight rebounds. In contrast, de Ocampo had seven points and two rebounds in 15 minutes. Is Codiñera’s career nearing its end? Don’t bet on it.

But the biggest rebirth story has to be Jun Limpot’s. He’s never known what it’s like to play on a title team since entering the league as a Sta. Lucia Realty rookie in 1993. Limpot, 31, moved to Barangay Ginebra in 2000 and is still looking for his first championship bonus. Last year, Limpot averaged 10.9 points in 19 games, sitting out 11 contests due to injuries. It was a forgettable campaign for Ginebra which finished second to last in the Governors Cup, last in the Commissioner’s Cup, and last in the All-Filipino Cup.

With a souped up roster, Ginebra is looking better than ever and Limpot is leading the charge. In two games so far, Limpot is averaging 28.5 points, 11 rebounds, and 39 minutes. He’s also shooting 22-of-38 from the field (.578) and 12-of-13 from the line (.923).

While the rookies are clearly the talk of the PBA, some veterans are showing they belong in the limelight, too.

Postscript. Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) and Immaculate Conception Academy (ICA), both of Dasmariñas, Cavite, recently inaugurated their joint intramural season under the theme "Walang Imposible sa Nagkakaisang ICA at EAC." EAC has a student population of about 800 and ICA, with four campuses in Cavite, has an enrollment of over 2,000. EAC, formerly Marian College, is a private, non-sectarian, co-ed institution whose motto is "virtue, service and excellence." EAC and ICA are owned by Dr. Paulo Campos. EAC Academic Dean Dr. Teresita Arnaldo delivered the welcome remarks during the inaugural rites. Dr. Arnaldo has been an educator for 25 years and was previously associated with the Philippine Christian University and AMA Computer College ... The fifth Inter-Graduate School of Business (GSB) Friendship Games reeled off at the La Salle Sports Complex on Taft Avenue recently. Participating are the Asian Institute of Management, La Salle, Ateneo, and the University of Sto. Tomas. In the sports calendar are badminton, basketball, billiards, bowling, chess and volleyball. Among the objectives of the Games are to allow a more holistic development of business school students to complement academic exposure and to provide opportunities for interaction. Bryant Arcilla is the president of the organizing Taft Student Forum. My thanks to the Administration, faculty, and students of EAC, ICA, and officials of the Inter-GSB Friendship Games for inviting me to be the guest speaker during their opening ceremonies.