Tigers upbeat on coming PBA season

MANILA, Philippines - Powerade coach Bo Perasol said yesterday he’s putting the final touches to the Tigers’ lineup for the PBA season starting Oct. 2 and the emerging cast looks like a championship contender in the making.

 “We’re planning to use a 12-man rotation,” said Perasol. “We’ll be tendering offer sheets to our three draft picks (Jvee Casio, Marcio Lassiter, Marc Agustin) within five working days from Sunday as required by the PBA. I’ve always told management that whatever happens, I’m accountable for our performance. In the past, we had our limitations. But now, I’m confident in what we can do. I think we’ve got the manpower, particularly in the backcourt and wing positions, to be able to match up with any team in the league. Hindi na kami lugi kasi mayroon ng pambato ang Powerade.”

In last Sunday’s draft, Powerade chose Casio as the first overall pick and nabbed Lassiter with the fourth. Agustin came in the second round. Gone from last year’s lineup are Mark Macapagal and Chico Lanete (both to Meralco), J. R. Quinahan and Norman Gonzales (both to Rain Or Shine) and Eddie Laure. Rob Reyes isn’t likely to return from the US but Powerade still holds his rights. Francis Allera, Ricky Calimag and R. J. Rizada may play in Powerade’s ambassadors squad that travels around the country to appear in goodwill exhibitions. Dennis Espino is on call and may be reactivated to formalize his retirement in the same way that Kenneth Duremdes will suit up in the Philippine Cup.

Aside from the rookie picks, Perasol said the team will feature other new faces. Alex Crisano, Doug Kramer, Josh Vanlandingham and possibly, Rudy Lingganay will be in the Tigers’ rotation. Perasol said he’s still in the hunt for two big men to complete the roster. The holdovers are Gary David, Will Antonio, Sean Anthony, Celino Cruz and Jai Reyes.

 “We’re very excited about the coming season,” said Perasol. “We’re going to be a running team. That’s because of the individual tendencies of our players like Gary, Javee and Marcio. But to be able to run, we’ve got to secure the rebounds. In case we don’t get the opportunity to run, I think we’ll be fine executing in the half-court because of our shooters. I know we can’t be strong in all positions but we made it a point to strengthen our backcourt and wings. We’re figuring that in the second and third conferences, we’ll be recruiting big imports so we decided to focus on our backcourt and wings. Still, it’s not as if we’re ignoring our bigs. Will, Alex and Doug will do their share up front.”

Perasol called for Powerade’s first practice at the Moro Lorenzo Gym yesterday morning. Casio and Lassiter showed up but were excused from playing. Agustin also attended.

 “Jvee and Marcio will be leaving next Wednesday for China and they’ll be with us for practice until the day before,” said Perasol. “We want to familiarize them with our offensive and defensive systems and get to know their teammates. We don’t want to risk any injury since they’ll be playing in China so they won’t be suiting up at practice. We’ve told Jvee and Marcio it’s not by accident that they’re with our team. We planned it that way. Mr. (J. B.) Baylon and I went to Taiwan to look at the Gilas players closely during the Jones Cup. We knew Paul Lee was also available but we chose Jvee as our first overall pick. And we chose Marcio because of his ability to play the wing.”

Perasol said Vanlandingham is arriving from the US today and he expects the team to be complete at practice tomorrow.

Crisano’s enlistment wasn’t a spur of the moment decision. Assistant coach Alex Compton had asked Perasol if Crisano could try out for a spot over a month ago.

 “There’s no question what Alex can do,” said Perasol, referring to the 6-7 center. “For a month, he worked out with our strength and conditioning coach Julius Veloso. We told him to get in shape for a month without pay. We spoke to him, stressing that this is his last chance to play in the PBA, that it’s not about him but at Powerade, it’s about the team. Alex claims he’s a new man and the past is past. I believe in what he can do. Alex is big, can score, rebound and defend. It’s really all up to him whether he can fit in our system. We’re taking that chance.”

Perasol said over 30 players reported for a four-day camp that Powerade ran for prospective rookies and free agents before the draft. Lingganay, Crisano, Jun-Jun Cabatu, Lee and Ken Acibar came to show their wares. Lingganay, an undrafted guard from UE, was impressive and caught Perasol’s attention. The ABL veteran will be offered a contract as a free agent.