PBL’s resurgence

Harbour Centre ’s inspiring rise to the top of the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) is clear proof that in the game that Filipinos love with a passion, nothing is impossible and impossible is nothing.

At the start of the Silver Cup, it didn’t look like the Portmasters were headed for a second straight crown. They lost their opening game of the conference then dropped to 1-2 before Ateneo star J. C. Intal came on board. Assistant coaches Richard del Rosario and Nel Parado left the team. When consultant Junel Baculi was hired midway the eliminations, he was rudely welcomed by a Harbour loss to Sista.

But Harbour team owner Mikee Romero kept the faith. He knew sooner or later, things would come together as they did in the last conference where the Portmasters rebounded to snatch the title. Hard work, a never-say-die attitude and uncompromising discipline lifted Harbour to the championship in the previous conference. Not surprisingly, those were the same ingredients that brought the Portmasters back on top. 

The road to glory in the Silver Cup wasn’t easy. In the semis, Toyota-Otis looked ready to barge into the finals after surging to a 2-1 series lead and a twice-to-beat advantage. Harbour, however, refused to give up, storming back to sweep the last two games and clinching in five. 

The 3-0 romp over Hapee in the finals was anticlimactic. Nobody expected a wipeout particularly as coach Jun Noel’s charges were led by MVP Jason Castro. Coach Jorge Gallent wouldn’t take credit for the victory and paid tribute to his boys for their determination. Romero couldn’t be prouder of the Port-masters for their courageous effort.

Harbour team manager Erick Arejola said the Baculi-Gallent combination worked like a charm. "There was no overlapping in their roles," said Arejola. "We went with Jorge’s system from the start. Junel made suggestions in offense and defense, modifying some plays, but in the end, it was up to Jorge what to implement. They worked together well and the team responded positively."

Is it time for Harbour to go to the next level and join the PBA?

"Nothing is final," said Arejola. "It’s being talked about. Right now, we’re focusing on the PBL."

Harbour got the job done behind a cast that counted on Chico Lanete, Jonathan Fernandez, Al Vergara, Ryan Arana, ex-pro Marvin Ortiguerra, Intal, Jerwin Gaco, Chad Alonzo, Ron Capati, Allan Gamboa and Edwin Asoro.

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By the way, if there’s anyone who should take credit for the PBL’s resurgence, commissioner Chino Trinidad said it’s Dioceldo Sy of Blu Detergent, Shark Energy Drink, Ever Bilena and now, Noosa shoes fame.

Sy served as PBL chairman for four years and steered the league to stability. 

"The PBL owes a huge debt of gratitude to Mr. Sy," said Trinidad . "He kept us going when things were shaky. He did more for the league than the average team owner. He advanced money to cover expenses and even brought in two teams to make us viable."

While Sy isn’t active in the PBL at the moment, Trinidad said there’s talk he may stage a comeback.

Sy’s main product line is color cosmetics. But what’s exciting Sy lately are his Noosa shoes. Sy’s sales head Noel Anel said Noosas will be exclusively available at Robinson’s department stores next month.

Noosa is the local version of Crocs which has taken the US and Europe by storm. Crocs retails for P1,750 a pair (with the high-end model at P2,700). Noosa goes for P495 in six colors – black, white, blue, red, pink and khaki. Asi Taulava is being eyed to endorse the shoes.

"We’re not Crocs replicas," said Anel. "Our shoes are softer, our straps are thinner and our design is slightly different."

Trinidad said he wears Noosa shoes for driving and malling. "Nothing is more comfortable," said Trinidad. "Everyone should have at least a pair."

Anel said those interested to buy a pair or become distributors may contact him at tel. 330-0088, local 310.