Why Lang isn’t here

In the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Second Conference three years ago, Duke University’s Tony Lang led Red Bull to the championship. He was the hands-down choice as Best Import.

It wasn’t smooth sailing for Lang at the start. He was a disappointment in his PBA debut, missing 10 free throws and shooting only 44 percent from the floor, as Red Bull lost an 84-81 decision to Alaska.

Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao seriously thought of kicking out Lang. But the remorseful import pleaded for a second chance. "I told management that God willing before it’s all over, they’ll see one of the best imports ever," said Lang. "And I prayed and I prayed for the strength to get the job done. I knew that with prayer, God would take care of me."

As it turned out, Lang’s prayers were answered. He powered Red Bull to a 4-2 series win over San Miguel Beer in the Finals.

A year later, Lang was back in a Red Bull jersey. He took over from Julius Nwosu with four games left in the First Conference eliminations but it was too late. Red Bull, handicapped by a twice-to-beat disadvantage, was eliminated by Purefoods in the quarterfinals.

Lang stayed behind to team with Nwosu for Red Bull in the Second Conference. During the eliminations, Red Bull beat San Miguel Beer,

78-73. The Beermen imports were Art Long and Shea Seals. In the best-of-5 semifinals, Red Bull ousted San Miguel in four. After Red Bull stumbled to a 1-2 start against Talk n Text in the Finals, Lang was sent home and replaced by Sean Lampley. It was the Nwosu-Lampley tandem that eventually steered Red Bull to the title in a pulsating seven-game series.

Lang, 32, was in the wish list of several PBA teams looking for imports before this season started. But he opted to stay clear.

A reliable source said Lang underwent surgery to repair an Achilles injury last year. After months of rehabilitation, Lang was cleared to play but his former team Mitsubishi in the Japanese league had doubts.

Mitsubishi officials went to the US and conducted tryouts to fill Lang’s spot. During the Los Angeles tryouts, Lang walked into the gym and asked if he could play. Lang got the go-signal and proceeded to teach the new kids on the block a humbling lesson in cage craftsmanship. In the end, Lang was signed to another contract by Mitsubishi.

The Japanese season is now over and Lang is back in the US. He was courted by several PBA teams to play in the Fiesta Conference but Grant Hill’s former collegiate teammate said no thanks.

So why isn’t Lang coming back?

Surely, it’s not because the money isn’t worth the trouble. The PBA salary cap for imports is $14,000 a month. According to an insider, the bonus for each win in the eliminations and quarterfinals is $300. It increases to $550 in the semifinals and $700 in the finals. Additionally, there’s a half-month bonus if the team reaches the quarterfinals, a one-month incentive if it qualifies for the semis and a month and a half addition if it wins the championship. That could be a tidy sum for a few months’ work.

Apparently, Lang declined the offer to return because unlike the Japanese league, the PBA could be dangerous to his health. The PBA game is competitive and extremely physical, particularly when the focus of attention in defense is on the import.

In the Japanese league, each team is allowed to play two imports on the floor. Lang had a caddy at Mitsubishi. In the Fiesta Conference, he’d be all alone.

"I don’t think Tony feels he can play 100 percent without an import partner," said a source. "I’m sure he’s not relishing the thought of matching up against Long. Tony’s not strong like Long. He’s long and lean. He’ll get pushed around by Lang under the basket."

The same source said a team was close to signing up Sta. Lucia import Derrick Brown’s brother Norm Richardson but decided to bring in somebody else. It wouldn’t be unusual for two brothers to compete against each other in the PBA. Danny and Andy Seigle play for different squads. Elmer and Dwight Lago used to play for different teams, too.

As for Nwosu, the burly Nigerian is now playing in China. The

contract is only for a month. He’s only a few hours’ flight away from Manila so if Red Bull decides to bring him in, it shouldn’t be much of a problem. Red Bull has the right of first refusal on Nwosu’s services until the end of this year.

But Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao said he’d rather stick to a three player who can create a mismatch in the wings and allow his big locals–DaVonn Harp, Mick Pennisi, Enrico Villanueva and Homer Se–the minutes they deserve.

It’s possible that a reevaluation of imports will be made by every team as soon as the lineups of the two visiting foreign clubs are revealed. The visitors begin action in the quarterfinals against six PBA survivors.