Thus spoke Alex Compton, the extraordinary guard of Montaña Pawnshop in the Philippine Basketball League. Since the time he arrived in the Philippines to join the Manila MetroStars in the defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association, he has been a role model and exemplary player, and is definitely more Filipino than most of the Fil-Ams seeing action in the PBA.
Last year, the Cornell graduate (who was born in the Philippines when his parents were teaching and performing community service here), sent a written request to the Philippine Basketball Association to allow him to play. After years of pounding and playing over 40 minutes a game in the MBA, and being guarded physically by hungry young players in the PBL, time was ticking.
"I think it was sometime in July when I read that, this year, they had too many other pressing matters to address my case," Compton told The STAR. It was kind of negative and positive. They said no, but try again next year."
Ironically, although he injured both calves a few months ago, it was not the physical toll that made Compton consider retiring.
"Actually, I feel blessed in that, whatever speed I had still feels relatively the same. If you work hard, that starts to fall away more then you’re 34, 35, 36. I think up to 33 are actually your peak years for a lot of players," the one-time MBA Most Valuable Player explains. "More and more, as I get older, I understand the game more, that it’s less and less about me, and more and more about the team. When you’re young, you have more individual goals, and you want to show what you can do. So sometimes, you take bad shots. Sometimes, you force situations. Now, you kind of look for what’s best for the team. Who’s hot? What’s the best play? Those are some of the changes I think I’ve gone through."
Another reason why Compton is eager to join the ranks of the country’s best pros is that he used to play alongside many of them, and is the last of his batch.
"Most of the guys I’ve played with in the MBA and the PBL are the top guys in the PBA. In fact, I don’t think that any of the guys I’ve played with in the MBA are still in the PBL. Either they’re not playing in the PBL, or they’re playing in the PBA. So it looks like I’m the last of them, the old guy," he laughs.
As always, Compton reflects on the blessings he has received. He recently acted in a Christian movie about an American CEO of a large corporation who gave it all up to marry a Filipina and set up a shelter for homeless children in northern Mindanao. And he sees the future of Philippine basketball on the court every single day.
"What’s exciting about that is you get to play against the fresh and upcoming young talent in the Philippines. The PBL is really the top amateur league, and all the college kids want to get into it. The ones who, just before they make the step into the PBA, they’re kind of polishing and honing their skills, are in this level. So it’s exciting to get to play against those guys who are just scrapping and trying to show everything they have."
So, after eight years of excellence on and off the court, what happens to Alex Compton after basketball?
"I’m not really sure. I really don’t know. I wish I could tell you ‘if basketball falls through, then I’m definitely doing this.’ I have no idea. If the PBA won’t let me play, my basketball career will be over here in the Philippines," he shrugs. "It would have been a great run. So let’s just see what happens. I’m sure there’s something good in store."
Over 40 schools are participating in the three categories of the tournament: Midgets (11-13 yrs), Mini (8-10 yrs) and Girls (13 & under). For details, contact FBL coordinator Glenn De Leon thru futuresbasketball@gmail.com. or 0915-5948308.
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