NBA game that almost never was

MANILA, Philippines - The NBA Asia Challenge Manila leg, featuring Dominique Wilkins and company versus a PBA selection, was a resounding success that nearly didn’t happen.

Now it can be told: The home team nearly pulled out of the project when the promoter allegedly reneged on some promises.

Most PBA officials were up in arms on game day itself, disgusted at how their people were treated by the organizers.

Credit goes to the players who gamely put in their shares playing without pay except an allocation of four tickets each.

There’s also PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios expressing gratitude to NBA counterpart David Stern for the project offered to Filipino fans.

“Except for the opportunity to work with the NBA and the P300,000 promised donation for the players trust fund, the PBA didn’t get anything in the project. Tickets lang, hindi pa tinupad ang usapan,” said a PBA official.

“It was elementary matters which they failed to address. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to figure out the PBA is the other half of the equation and that its members should also be taken care of,” said another PBA official.

The consolation was that the PBA was able to put in its contribution in a show enjoyed by Filipino fans.

Wilkins proved he still has power and strength in his 49-year-old legs, coming through with 28 points in leading the NBA Generations team to a 109-86 win over the home team.

Allan Caidic showed he can still pull the trigger from beyond the arc, emerging as the local player who caught the attention of the visitors.

“That shooter did a great job. As long as a player can shoot like that, you want a player like him on your team,” said Kareem Abdul Jabbar.

Wilkins, Robert Horry and Tim Hardaway also pointed to the long-retired PBA star as the player that impressed them the most.

Caidic paced the Filipinos with 15 points, making all of it in the opening quarter on a 5-of-10 shooting from the three-point area.

“We have just returned from the US Legends Tour (with other retired PBA superstars). It helped me get the rhythm in this game,” said Caidic.

Heeding the fans’ clamor, coach Yeng Guiao played Caidic, Alvin Patrimonio and Ronnie Magsanoc the longest, using them in two full quarters each. Patrimonio produced nine points and eight rebounds while Magsanoc logged eight points and three assists.

“Ngayon may clamor na for them to come out of retirement,” said PBA media bureau chief Willy Marcial in jest.