A mission for Hizon in USBL

Vince Hizon said as a Filipino, he’s under a microscope playing for the Pennsylvania Valley Dawgs in the United States Basketball League (USBL) and constantly trying to prove himself on the court.

"I don’t know if it’s racism or what but at my first practice, guys were wondering if Filipinos could play at all," said Hizon in an overseas phone call from Allentown, Pennsylvania, last night. "Sometimes, during a game, I’ll be wide open but they don’t give me the ball. I’m just keeping my head straight. I’m dealing with a lot of factors. But I’m here to open the doors for other Filipinos to try their luck in the US, to dispel the negative image of the Filipino stereotype and to show that Filipinos can compete against players of any race or persuasion."

Hizon, 33, was born in the US to a Filipino father — who traces his roots to Pampanga and Davao — and an American mother. He played briefly at Boise State, an NCAA Division I school, then saw action for the Ateneo Blue Eagles. In 1994, Hizon turned pro and played five years for Ginebra in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

After the 1998 season, Hizon — one of the PBA’s most popular cagers at the time — jumped to the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA), lured by a three-year contract with an escalating monthly salary from P500,000 to P700,000. But Hizon wound up in a dispute with his team — the Iloilo Megavoltz — and returned to the PBA in 2002. Hizon never regained the form that made him a PBA star in the 1990s. Suiting up for Red Bull, he averaged 3.5 points in 2002 and 2.6 points last year.

Hizon failed to land a job in the PBA this season. He got married to broadcaster Patricia Bermudez in California early this year and when he returned, PBA roster spots were filled. Hizon then joined the San Miguel All-Star squad and played for the touring team until Valley Dawgs general manager Sam Unera, a Filipino, offered the chance to see action in the USBL.

It was Sen. Robert Jaworski who recommended Hizon to Unera.

A month ago, Hizon left for the US to start a new life in the USBL. Another ex-PBA player Bong Alvarez also joined the Valley Dawgs.

"I don’t really know where this will lead to," said Hizon. "I’m just enjoying the moment and taking it day by day. This is a learning experience for me. I’m doing my best to pave the way for other Filipinos to try to get to this level. It’s an honor for me being the first Filipino to play in the USBL."

Hizon said Valley Dawgs coach Darryl Dawkins is working the players in shape. "I’ve lost 12 pounds so far," continued Hizon. "It’s the fittest I’ve been since ‘97 when we won a championship for Ginebra. It’s tough going against guys who play in the PBA as imports. I’m grateful to San Miguel for letting me play with the All-Stars because that got me in condition. I’m in the best shape of my life. I’m blocking shots, stealing balls."

Hizon said he’s bumped into former PBA imports playing in the USBL. "They all have nice things to say about the Philippines," said Hizon. "They all want to go back for a visit, to meet up with old friends. Guys like Kwan Johnson, Larry Robinson, George Reese, Jamaal Kendrick and Lamayn Wilson."

The daily workout grind is a killer, noted Hizon. "Guys are keeling over and throwing up because coach wants a running team," he went on. "Doing weights isn’t an option. It’s a necessity. Guys are banging and beating up each other at practice and during games because jobs are on the line. The competition is fierce."

Hizon said he gets along with NBA veterans more than players fresh out of college. "It’s because we’ve played in the pros so we appreciate the camaraderie," he explained. "Among my teammates, I like Joe Crispin who once played for the Lakers. I learn a lot from the NBA veterans. Those guys have played at Madison Square Garden the Staples Center. Just talking to them is an experience. I’m thankful to Senator Jaworski and Uncle Sam (Unera) for this opportunity."

In Hizon’s USBL debut last April 25, he sank two triples in the first period as the Valley Dawgs tripped Brooklyn, 115-108. A fight nearly broke out when Brooklyn’s Michael Campbell headlocked Hizon after he was stripped of the ball.

Last Thursday, Hizon was in the spotlight when he was picked by the opposing team to replace injured teammate Quincy Wadly on the line for two free throws with the Valley Dawgs leading by two, time down to 28.9 ticks. Hizon, who didn’t miss a foul shot in the last two PBA seasons, buried both and Pennsylvania iced the contest.

The Filipino fans, including visiting Abet Guidaben and his wife, broke into applause in the stands.

"After the game, coach Blake (of the losing Florence Flyers) came up to congratulate me," related Hizon. "He had this notion of Filipinos being either boxers or domestic helpers. That’s the notion I want to dispel. I want to show Filipinos can compete on a global level. If we stick together, if we work hard, we can do it. We can move up to the top spot in Asia. I know we can beat China and Korea in basketball. We’ll just have to get better, tougher and more confident. And we can get to the next level if we play in leagues like the USBL because we can learn a lot here."

Hizon said Filipino guards are most likely to shine in US leagues. "Willie (Miller) has a shot at doing well here but he’s got to work on his shot," continued Hizon. "He’s got the speed. It will be difficult for our big guys to succeed because their three and four players are stronger than our strongest and bigger than our biggest."

Hizon said he misses home and can’t wait to return when the USBL season ends in July.

"Patricia and I miss home," he said. "The other day, we feasted on Filipino food and halo-halo at Little Quiapo, a restaurant in New Jersey. When I get back, I hope to try out for a last shot in the PBA."

Patricia is nine weeks pregnant and Hizon is praying for twins. They live in Uneras’ home in Allentown and they’ve also brought their pug dog named "Jawo."

Alvarez is out with a hamstring injury and groin pull. He’s undergoing rehabilitation. Dawkins said Alvarez is working hard, eager to play and should be ready for his USBL debut in one or two weeks.