BCAP says no to Moran work permit

The Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines formally opposed the application of American mentor John Moran for an alien employment permit (AEP) with the Department of Labor and Employment yesterday.

However, BCAP president Chito Narvasa and Shell official Bobby Kanapi are to meet today, hopefully to work out an agreement that would enable the local group to withdraw its case against Moran.

"Madali naman i-withdraw ang kaso namin but we just really have to protect the cause of the local basketball coaches," said Narvasa.

Meanwhile, Jason Webb had decided to end his career due to a recurring injury and may shift to coaching probably as a deputy to Sta. Lucia coach Alfrancis Chua.

"Kung sa akin lang walang problema. But I have to get the approval of the management," said Sta. Lucia board representative and team manager Buddy Encarnado.

Also at Sta. Lucia, former RP squad teammates Marlou Aquino, Dennis Espino and Noli Locsin may be reunited as the burly forward called "The Tank" is trying it out with the Realtors. Also hoping to find a slot in the team are free agents Chris Cantonjos and Ogie Gumatay.

At Ginebra, Noy Falcasantos and Chester Tolomia are working out with the team although coach Allan Caidic has completed a 12-man roster on the return of Jayjay Helterbrand and the arrival of new recruits Andy Seigle and Rodney Santos. Gilbert Malabanan has been waived.

"Hindi ko alam kung may makukuha pa kaming deal. Pero puno na naman kami dahil wala rin naman kaming first and second round picks," said Caidic.

At Red Bull Barako, the Thunder are leaving for Qatar on Jan. 27 to play the Qatar national team in a pair of exhibition matches as part of the Qatar Olympic Committee’s tribute to its retiring basketball star Ibrahim Al-Siddiqi.

Stephen Padilla, meanwhile, was signed to a P2.6-million contract in two years by Alaska which still awaiting the return of John Arigo.

Arigo has been allowed to shop for a better offer from other teams as his contract-extension negotiation with Alaska hit a snag.

Shell is hoping to come up with an agreement with the BCAP so it could get a working permit for Moran whom the team signed to a six-month contract to call the shots for the Turbochargers.

"We’re keeping the lines open to come up with an agreement. But our stand is that (Moran’s appointment) should not be permanent and only transfer of technology," said Narvasa.