Joel, Tim grilling tomorrow

Talk ‘N’ Text’s Joel Banal and Alaska’s Tim Cone take their turns to be grilled by a panel of interrogators in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) office in Pasig tomorrow morning.

PBA Commissioner Noli Eala heads the inquisitors whose task is to recommend their choice for national coach to the Board of Governors.

There are four candidates for the job. Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao and Coca-Cola coach Chot Reyes were interviewed last Tuesday. Banal is scheduled for his interview at 9 a.m. and Cone, at 11 a.m.

The candidates were given a questionnaire to fill up before appearing for the interview. Each coach must explain his process of selecting the players for the national team, detail a training schedule culminating in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and justify a budget.

Eala said he was impressed by Guiao and Reyes in their presentations. No doubt, he’ll be impressed, too, by Banal and Cone. The four are known for their professionalism, basketball knowledge, work ethic and ability to motivate their players to give it their all on the court.

Guiao, 45, is a master of unpredictability. At Red Bull, he rarely sticks to a starting lineup and gives all his players a chance to open a game. His philosophy is anchored on keeping his players on their toes and getting them ready for whatever eventuality.

In a national team made up of individual stars, it’s crucial for the coach to know when and how to use the vast talent in the 12-man lineup.

A PBA insider said Guiao told the interrogators he will convene a Council of Advisers, composed of former national coaches, to guide him throughout the four-year journey. While Guiao had rough estimates on how much certain segments of his training program will cost, he reportedly said he’s willing to work backwards, meaning he’ll live with what funds are available.

Reyes, 41, submitted a detailed plan of action and backed it up with a budget of close to P140 Million for four years. He also said he will form a Council of Advisers.

The budget, of course, is not set in stone. It’s on the high side but sometimes, it’s better to shoot for the moon before settling for the stars.

Reyes’ edge is his track record. Not only is he widely exposed in the international game but he’s also a much sought-after motivational speaker in the corporate lecture circuit. On top of that, he probably has one of the best coaching records in the PBA since the 1998 Asian Games where he served as Cone’s assistant and the national team brought back a bronze from Bangkok.

Eala said he’s looking for a creative approach in exposing the national team to regular competition.

"I assured the Board there will be no disruption in the team rosters and conference play," said Eala. "That means it’s not an option at this point for the national team to play against the PBA teams in a regular conference. What could be an option is for the national team to play mini-tournaments on off-conference days, possibly in the provinces."

San Miguel Beer coach Joseph Uichico, who piloted the national team at the 2002 Busan Asiad, said the Italian model of training the national team without crippling the lineups of the players’ mother clubs in league competition is worth looking into.

In the Italian model, the national pool is formed initially made up of players from clubs that are eliminated in league play. As teams are eliminated, more players are recruited for the pool. During this process, mini-tournaments are organized to keep the players sharp and the tryouts on track.

Two years ago, the Philippine team was invited to play in a four-nation, mini-tournament in Sondrio, Italy. As the Italian season was in progress, the national team used only players from eliminated clubs. Eventually, only three Italian cagers on the squad that the Philippines faced in Sondrio made it to the national team that took the silver at the Athens Olympics. The three were Alex Righetti, Michele Mian and Rodolfo Rombaldoni.

Uichico said he is more than willing to assist the next national coach in whatever capacity.

Eala said he hopes to name the national coach before the year ends.

Postscript: This holiday season, give the gift that’s personal, entertaining, informative and can last until next Christmas–magazine subscriptions are excellent gifts for your loved ones. Emerald Headway, the leading distributor of foreign magazines, has over 700 titles including "Hoop," "E-Z Tech Guides," "Road & Track," "XXL," "Sync," "Saveur," "Bead Style," and "Oprah." It’s a merry treat as you’ll get a 12 percent discount for 1-year subscriptions, 6 percent discount for 6-month subscriptions and two free back issues of your choice. Promo runs until Dec. 31, 2004. For details, call 647-4744 or visit the Emerald showroom at 218 Katipunan Ave,, Blue Ridge, Quezon City.