Hatfield ready to return to PBA

MANILA, Philippines - The H-Bomb is ready for detonation and this time, Barangay Ginebra forward Rudy Hatfield promised he’ll be in the PBA to stay or until he’s kicked out.

Twice, Hatfield “retired” from the pros, citing family issues. He left in 2007 to resettle his family in the US then returned to rejoin Ginebra in the 2009-10 Fiesta Conference. After last season, Hatfield announced he would retire once more to take a full-time job as a customer consultant with a publishing company.

But now, the 34-year-old Hatfield said his direction is back to basketball.

“I have recently contacted coach Jong (Uichico) to inform him that I would like to return, this time until they kick me out,” Hatfield told The STAR in an e-mail from the US the other day. “Coach Siot (Tanquingcen) is the head coach and I definitely respect whatever his decision may be. I just have a very close relationship with coach Jong, even off the court and went to him to explain my situation. Hopefully, management will concede that I can be useful to the team. I can assure you I am in optimal shape to get back the championship that rightfully belongs to Ginebra. Of course, that’s all talk. Can I back it up? To the team – Mark (Caguioa), Jay-Jay (Helterbrand), Eric (Menk), Rico (Villanueva), Willy (Wilson), Mike (Cortez) and the rest of the guys, don’t get too comfortable out there. I have a whole lot of screamin’ built up in me and I’m ready to explode.”

Hatfield, a University of Michigan at Dearborn standout, began his Philippine pro basketball career with the Laguna Lakers in the defunct MBA then broke into the PBA with Tanduay in 2000. Last season, he averaged 8.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 29.1 minutes in 45 games for the Kings. Hatfield was the league’s No. 2 local rebounder behind Arwind Santos.

Hatfield said another “turn of events” has happened in his life, causing him to consider returning to the PBA. He declined to elaborate.

“It was definitely difficult being away from my family for a year playing in the PBA although Ginebra management was very lenient on my off-time, knowing my situation,” he said. “I was actually prepared to return (this season), being even more physically and mentally ready than I had been in years, having left a bad taste of losing in the semis and the finals. It was a tough decision and really came down to deciding how my family was going to cope with me being away.”

Hatfield said his family is fine and happy. His wife Bethany is an entrepreneur working with Ateneo star Kirk Long’s father Jeff’s ministry that manufactures Philippine display products for the US. Their daughters are Bella, 7, and Lylah, 3.  “I haven’t been doing ministry work as of late,” he continued. “That includes even talking to people through casual conversation about Christ. I really need to rebuild my relationship with God. I haven’t been walking with Him on a daily basis or even very much at all for that matter. I’m still a believer, though.”

Hatfield is employed by Cengage Learning and works with libraries to promote their resources with the community. “Cengage is the No. 2 publishing company for academic books,” he noted. “They have some 5,000 employees over 20 different countries. My customer base is basically public librarians so they are very humble, serene and enjoy their jobs. There is plenty of room for me to advance as far as training others on some of the on-line resources, account management, product management and many other avenues. I work about 30 minutes from home, driving time.”

Hatfield said the PBA fans are a big reason why he wants to come back. “One thing I must say to the fans is just how much I appreciate the positive response and thoughtful comments everyone has had after hearing I wasn’t coming back,” he said. “There could have been plenty of rude words and sarcastic cracks about me that I surely would have deserved. However, everyone wished me the best, prayed for my family and me and hoped I would come back someday. It just goes to show that the hearts of Filipinos are not only filled with hope and perseverance but also with genuine devotion towards others. For that, I cannot thank them enough.”

Hatfield said he will always play his heart out for the fans. “Those who followed me from Laguna through Tanduay, gathering some more along the way to Pop Cola, building an entourage with Coca-Cola, having an entire nation behind us on the national team and solidifying it all with the die-hard Ginebra fans,” he said. “I am truly honored to have played for them, with them and against them. I’m even more honored to be a Filipino, just like them. Thank you, all my Filipino fans. I know there are plenty more to thank. Believe me, I haven’t forgotten you.”

Uichico said the Ginebra coaching staff has brought Hatfield’s case up to management. If Hatfield is re-signed, he will be back for the second and third conferences featuring imports.