The Phone Pals, the reigning All-Filipino champions, were scheduled to leave for the United States last night for a marathon coaching seminar and a series of workouts under noted US NCAA coach Jerry Tarkanian.
Tarkanian steered the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels, then led by Larry Johnson, to back-to-back NCAA titles in 1990 and 1991. He is now calling the shots at Fresno State University where the Phones Pals might be able to squeeze in some pick-up games.
The trip, part of Talk N Text’s bonus package for winning the 2003 All-Pinoy crown at the expense of Coca-Cola, was lined up in time for the opening of the Fiesta Conference, the kickoff leg of the 2004 PBA season, on Feb. 22.
The Phone Pals will be back in the country on Feb. 2 hoping to bring with them a better understanding of the game and an experience not all PBA teams could enjoy.
Once they set foot in the US, the Phone Pals will meet their former coach, the controversial Bill Bayno, who provided the needed link to Tarkanian.
Willie Miller, the 2002 MVP who was recently acquired by Talk N Text from Red Bull, will join the trip, and will have all the time he needs to bond with his new teammates.
Miller signed an P11.4 million, three-year pact with Talk N Text after turning down a reportedly bigger contract extension with Red Bull – P12.6 million also spread over three years.
Niño Gelig and Christopher Guerrero, who were drafted by Talk N Text last Friday, have been offered one-year contract.
No other details were available although Gelig and Guerrero, sources said, might get something in between the allowed minimum salary of P30,000 and maximum of P150,000 a month for PBA rookies.
Majority of the draftees, including the top picks, have yet to sign contracts with their respective PBA ballclubs.