Ex-pro stars to spice up Asean hoops

MANILA, Philippines - An all-star team is being formed to represent the Philippines in the first Asean Basketball League which fires off on Oct. 1 in Singapore.

Only this time, the team will be composed of ex-PBA superstars like Alvin Patrimonio, Benjie Paras, Vergel Meneses, Samboy Lim and Johnny Abarrientos. Robert Jaworski and Ramon Fernandez will also make representations for the team.

To top it all, the men behind the formation of the team for the home-and-away league is eyeing Billy Ray Bates, known as the “Black Superman” and arguably the best import ever to grace the PBA, to be part of the team.

“There are two objectives in forming this team – to form a competitive team that can win the championship and entertain the Filipino overseas workers,” said ABC-5 president Bobby Barrero in yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s along UN Avenue.

Barrero pitched in for businessman Tony Boy Cojuangco who is throwing his full support to the team along with Harbour Centre owner and basketball patron Mikee Romero who vowed to make it “very exciting” for the team and Pinoy cage fans.

The ABL was launched a few months ago in Kuala Lumpur. It is a brainchild of Tony Fernandes, a very successful Malaysian entrepreneur who’s into the airline and hotel business.

So far, six countries have confirmed their participation through their respective club teams. They are the Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. Games will be played in each of the member countries.

“The challenge being posed is very different and it excites us. Plus it will give our players a bigger chance to showcase their talents. We even feel that Filipinos may be tapped by the other countries as their imports,” said Barrero.          – Abac Cordero