Mikee’s winning formula

The Philippines’ dismal sixth place finish in the 24th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Nakhon Ratchasima has understandably elicited critical comments directed at Philippine sports officials. Some have however drawn kudos for the emphatic victory of the sport for which they have assumed responsibility. One of this rare breed is Harbour Centre chief executive officer Mikee Romero who led the Harbour Centre-RP National team to the men’s basketball championship of the 10-nation biennial sports festival.

Romero, who bankrolled the six-month preparation of the men’s national basketball team that won the championship with an average winning margin of 43 points, knows the formula for success and has expressed willingness to take on the bigger challenges that lie ahead. He has asked that he and his crew, which includes coaches Junel Baculi and Louie Alas, take charge of the Philippines participation in the 2010 Asian Games.

Romero proudly emphasizes that the Philippine team’s average winning margin in the 24th SEA Games was 43 points which compares favorably with the US Dream Team’s winning margin of 43 points in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. The Nationals beat Cambodia by 52 points, walloped Indonesia by 32, gave Malaysia a 47-point thrashing and tore the Thais apart behind a 43-point margin in its final game.

Of the winning formula, Romero says, “It would do us a lot of good if we learn from the Koreans. We can employ their style of play and supplement it with Filipino creativity and natural talent. We can do away with less dribbling and more passing, less low post and more cutting plays. Quick passing and good outside shooting, especially from the three-point area, will be the key success factors. In fact, to win, the rule of thumb is to make at least 12 three-point shots or 36 points per game from the three point area.”

Romero has many allies among Filipino coaches on the importance of mastering the basic art of passing, among them, Jong Uichico, former national coach. Uichico and I had a chat as we were waiting for our flights out of Manila at the Philippine Airlines lounge several months ago. Uichico, a former player and coach of the De La Salle Green Archers says, “In our case, a play emanates from a dribble, which is very much the American or NBA style of play. Filipino fans enjoy that since dribbling requires artistry, looks spectacular and demands individual talent and effort. But this shouldn’t be the case. The play should start from a pass.”

Looking beyond the Asian Games, Romero, who played for the Green Archers in the UAAP under Derek Pumaren, adds, “This new philosophy might be our new ticket to the Olympics. We haven’t been in the Olympics since the 70’s. This style worked wonders in the SEA Games and this might just be the formula for the 2012 Olympics. We are advocating a new basketball philosophy that we used in the SEA Games and which should be used in tougher competitions.”

The 36-year-old Romero who has a PhD in management, says Baculi and Alas, mastered the Korean style of play that calls for quick passing until one of the five players sees an open man to shoot. The trio believes that fast passing, more than average three-point shooting and a solid defense will spell success anywhere.

Romero, who spent P20 million to toughen the team in overseas tournaments in, among others,  Indonesia, Korea and Brunei, says the squad played almost flawless basketball in beating Malaysia. “We scored 51 points from the three-point area and made 30 assists. It proved we executed our philosophy –  we can pass that ball quickly, play solid defense and convert our three-point attempts.”

Going beyond basketball, Romero emphasizes that “unless a realistic sports master plan is put together, the country will be left behind. “I saw how the other countries have moved forward during the SEA Games. It will almost be impossible for us to give a good account of ourselves if we don’t have a plan, even if you had all the money in the world. In fact, there is a greater need to plan to make sure there is continuous support. Believe me. We were able to make more effective use of our resources and were successful because we had a plan in the first place”.

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Despite all the weariness, the negatives and the cynicism, we find time to count our blessings, lift everything up to the Lord for He knows what’s in our hearts and wish each other a Blessed Christmas and a Joyful New Year.