Barroca joins Smart Gilas in Singapore

MANILA, Philippines - Mark Barroca leaves with the Smart Gilas squad today for a one-game exhibition with the Singapore Slingers of the National Basketball League in Singapore, hoping to resume a promising cage career stymied by his ouster from the FEU squad in the UAAP.

Saddened by FEU’s complete neglect of his efforts for the team, Barroca vowed to focus instead on Smart Gilas, a developmental team groomed for the 2012 London Olympics.

“Maybe it’s a blessing there is a Smart Gilas Pilipinas, if not for the team I don’t know where to go,” said Barroca in Filipino.

“Maybe it’s here that I would get my second chance. I have nowhere to play except here. I told myself I’ll dedicate my playing basketball for the Philippines,” he said.

The 23-year-old Barroca, who normed a team-high 12.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.6 steals for FEU, was recently removed from the Tams roster for the rest of the 72nd UAAP basketball season following allegations of point-shaving or game-fixing.

Barroca said he had already talked with his family about his ouster from the FEU team, particularly his mother Leonida, who is back home in Zamboanga.

“She told me to just pray,” he said.

Barroca impressed Serbian coach Rajko Toroman after a couple of stints in the international arena.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas official Noli Eala said Barroca’s case with FEU is beyond SBP’s control.

But he said Barroca deserves the benefit of the doubt.

“It may be unfair or premature for Smart Gilas to pass judgment on Barroca at this time as we are not privy to the circumstances surrounding his disciplinary action,” Eala said.

“The SBP leadership believes Barroca is entitled to a second chance and this is precisely what we are giving Mark in Smart Gilas. He has a contract with us and we will honor the same.”

Members of Smart Gilas were offered three-year contracts as lucrative as some of those playing in the PBA.

Pato Gregorio, head of Smart Sports, which is the main sponsor of the Smart Gilas team, is hoping that the issue is cleared as soon as possible so Barroca can focus on playing.

“The immediate resolution of this issue is important to us as lead sponsor of the Gilas national basketball team. We will counsel Mark Barroca so that he can overcome his trials as a young, budding basketball star,” he said.

“Mark will be able to come out of this with a lot more focus and determination. We will encourage Mark to continue to dream big,” Gregorio said.      – With report from Abac Cordero