Belasco raring to return

MANILA, Philippines - After 14 years of playing in the PBA, veteran forward Nic Belasco isn’t ready to hang up his sneakers and wants another chance to show he still belongs in the pro league.

Belasco, 36, is now in San Francisco waiting for a call. He has settled his wife Mafae Yunon, Binibining Pilipinas World 2003, and their four children in the Bay Area but will take the first available flight to Manila if a team offers a contract.

Without hesitation, Belasco said in a STAR interview that he’ll fly out and jump back into the PBA if a team is interested.

“I definitely feel like I have a lot to offer any PBA team right now,” said the lanky 6-6 frontliner from the College of Notre Dame. “I’ve always been a defensive stopper and rebounder. Through the years, I’ve developed a shooting touch. But the biggest way I can contribute is by bringing in my experience. I’m a proven winner in the PBA and that’s a mentality I can pass on in the locker room and on the court. I’ve been blessed with strong legs that have been healthy all these years. After spraining my knee in June, it feels like nothing ever happened now that it’s healed. I don’t see playing and competing a few more years as a problem at all. The game I sprained my knee last June 13, I had 14 rebounds and four blocked shots.”

Belasco said playing on seven PBA championship teams is something he’s proud of. He’s suited up for Pop Cola, San Miguel Beer, Alaska, Welcoat, Coca-Cola and Sta. Lucia Realty in a career that began in 1997. Twice, Belasco hit 30 points in a game and he averaged in double figures in six seasons.

“I’m reaching out to every team in the PBA,” he said. “Most teams are filled up so I’m looking at where I think I can step in and contribute using my skills. I’m a free agent now and can sign with any team. It’s the first time I’ve been unrestricted. After taking a step back for a few months, I got my mind and body right and I’m ready to jump right in somewhere and do what I do.”

With commissioner Chito Salud instituting a new officiating philosophy where referees allow incidental or inconsequential contact, Belasco said it’s a style that suits him. “I remember a few years ago, they tried out this style,” he noted. “I was able to use my strength more. I’m not one of the quickest players anymore like before so I like to use my hands a little. I played some of my best defense with the no-harm, no-foul rule in place. Hopefully, I can get back in before they change the rule again.”

Last season was forgettable for Belasco who averaged a career-low 4.4 points and 17.6 minutes in 34 total games, six with the Realtors. “It was frustrating,” he said. “I started the year with Talk ‘N’ Text. Then, Ali (Peek) and I went to Sta. Lucia. Playing for Sta. Lucia towards the end of the conference gave me a chance to start enjoying the game again. It’s just unfortunate that someone landed on my leg and I wasn’t able to finish the season. I think we could have done damage in the playoffs with me healthy.”

Belasco said when his playing days are finally over, he’ll seriously consider a coaching career.

“I’m currently an assistant coach for an ABA team, the East Bay Pit Bulls,” said Belasco. “If I go back to Manila, it would be as a player first and possibly, as a coach later. My priority is getting back out there as a player.But being a coach in the PBA is something I’ve always thought of as a possibility. I have a lot to offer. I could also be a skills coach. I’ve learned a lot in the 20 plus years I’ve been playing this game.”

Playing under first-rate coaches has broadened Belasco’s knowledge and prepared him for the next step.

“The standout coaches for me were Norman Black, Ron Jacobs, Jong Uichico, Kirk Collier, John Moran, Tim Cone and Leo Austria,” said Belasco. “Coach Norman got me started and handled me as a young, athletic and raw player. Coach Ron brought me to San Miguel and was really the best coach I’ve ever seen in my career. He saw everything that happened on the court and fixed every hole on the fly faster than any coach I’ve played for. Coach Jong allowed me to explore my game and break out from just a defender and rebounder. It’s rare that players develop into scorers as late in their careers as I did. Coach Kirk got my legs and my post game right. Coach John lived in my building and used to analyze my game. We would get pizza and sit down and watch film. He opened my eyes to the game and rejuvenated my career in 2003. Coach Tim taught me the triangle. His Alaska teams are really tight-knit and to me, are the hardest working teams in the PBA. His championship count says it all. He’s a great guy on and off the court. Coach Leo let me play my game at a point in my career that I really needed to be on a team like Welcoat. He’s one of the nicest guys I’ve met. I’ve learned from each one of these coaches and I plan to use some of their techniques when I become a coach.”

Belasco said if a team gives him a chance, he won’t let the opportunity go to waste.

“I have a good feeling about coming back,” he said. “Finding a team that is a good fit may be a challenge. But I know what I’m capable of. And I also know that the coaches know what I can offer. I expect to come out and be much better than last year. Meantime, I’ll be getting my game right in the gym while I wait for a call. I plan on being back, no matter what.”