Ready to die for minimum wage

The toy soldiers of Philippine basketball are continually being played around with by the sport’s higher authorities. As the Basketball Association of the Philippines and Philippine Committee dogfight above their heads, the players of the BAP’s SEABA team continue to practice, knowing that, very soon, they will be deployed into battle.

"The official status of the BAP and its direction is to continue training, and to also join this competition, as we’re doing right now here at the NBC and the other leagues we intend to join," was the formal response of BAP-appointed head coach Boycie Zamar. When asked if he was practicing separately from the PBL-backed SEABA training team, he merely said "Whether it’s separate or not, jointly or not, we are preparing for the SEABA. "I’d rather leave it to the BAP. All we have to do right now is take care of the athletes. My obligation right now, my responsibility right now is the team, the players, the staff, to get them ready not only physically, but also mentally."

There are only 10 players left on the roster, since BJ Manalo, Christian Luanzon and Jeff Bombeo left the team. Those who remain now call themselves "the magnificent 10" who are the actual warriors going into battle. Meanwhile, center Chris Cantonjos has returned to the team after extensive rehabilitation for his ACL injury, and the coaching staff is benefiting from the addition of PBA defensive specialist Jerry Codiñera.

"Morale is really high, honestly. We had a boot camp with the Navy SEALS. It was a great opportunity. It was a mental exercise. These SEALS are willing to die for the country with a minimum wage. That’s the way they attack the enemy."

The Navy SEALS training last weekend also served to strengthen the resolve of the team, since they saw that our military are prepared to sacrifice their very lives for flag and country, and for much less reward, publicly or financially.

"Physically, it’s a little hard for me, coming off an injury," says Richie Melencio, who rejoined the team two months ago after a knee operation. "But my teammates have been keeping in game shape, so we’re ready."

"It’s all part of the plan of the Lord," says starting point guard Dennis Madrid. "That’s what I keep telling coach. All of this is just a sign that something better is coming for us."

Zamar expressed tremendous gratitude to Cebuana Lhuillier for its support of the team for over a year, and said that the BAP is looking for apartments for the displaced players near Rizal Memorial. The team is currently scrimmaging with the University of Perpetual Help-Rizal Altas, coached by Bai Cristobal. Zamar’s original projection of 35 tournament games before the SEABA may not be met, but he is trying to add more actual playing experience in before time runs out.

"That’s something you can’t teach," he emphasizes.

Despite the depressing developments — such as the loss of sponsor, training facility and, for some, their living quarters — the players remain upbeat. Different challenges for different days.

"Every day, we practice hard, every day, we give our best," adds Samigue Eman, the 6’9" center recruited via the "Tryouts ng Bayan" conducted by Cebuana Lhuillier last year. "We were at the SEABA last year. I have no doubt we can win it. We have a very big chance."

The one question that the players were eager to answer was what they thought was the motivation for the maneuvering to get them out of where they are.

"The only thing I can think of is that the SEA Games will be held in the Philippines," Melencio guesses. "Maybe that’s why some politicians are interested in showing people that they’re doing something, and that’s why they want to have our team."

"This already happened to me in 2001," Zamar recalls. "We formed a team of PBL players, and then the MBA was involved. Now, everyone is getting entangled again. But that’s basketball. The pressure is always there. You have the pressure from the game, the pressure from opponents, even pressure from the international referees. You have to play over and above injuries. We just need to focus on one thing at a time, and keep on training, until the BAP tells us to stop."

And that’s what they’ve been doing from the start.

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Catch this week’s episode of The Basketball Show on ABC 5 at 3 p.m.