Alvin relives old days in PBA Legends

LAOAG, Philippines  – Four-time MVP awardee Alvin Patrimonio and seven other great stars of yesteryear return to the hard court today, as they lead the cast in the Legends Game highlighting the festivities of the 2012 PBA All-Star Week here.

Patrimonio, Ato Agustin, Jojo Lastimosa and Olsen Racela banner Team Greats while Allan Caidic, Leo Isaac, Kenneth Duremdes and Johnny Abarrientos lead Team Stalwarts clashing right after the Obstacle Challenge and the Three-Point Shootout at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena.

The INCA events start at 5 p.m. Earlier in the day, coaches Ryan Gregorio and Boyet Fernandez hold a coaching clinic and a basketball clinic, respectively, in separate venues in the city.

Except for the no-show of the Talk n Text group here, the All-Star Week got under way yesterday with hardly a hitch.

Pulling out of their respective events are Kelly Williams, Jimmy Alapag, Ranidel de Ocampo, Larry Fonacier, Jason Castro, Japeth Aguilar and Talk n Text assistant team manager Bong Ravena – a move seen by many as the Texters’ act of protest on what transpired in Game Seven of the recent Commissioner’s Cup finals.

Talk n Text top official Ricky Vargas sent words, though, that that was not the case.

“Our players are spent. We’ve been to five straight finals and the games have been very physical,” said Vargas.

He didn’t deny, though, that they were disappointed over some calls made in the do-or-die match won by B-Meg. “What we want is for flaws like those to be addressed so we can improve,” he said.

League commissioner Chito Salud said the Talk n Text players will be missed.

“The All-Star weekend is a gift and a treat to our fans especially to the young ones who look up to our players as role models. It’s also about fun, friendship, camaraderie, forging new ties, renewing old ties. It’s also about enjoying the generosity of our hosts, about giving back and reaching out to our fans. I’m sure the players not here will be missed by the fans and their fellow players,” said Salud.

To be missed in today’s Legends Game is Ravena, a former Rookie of the Year awardee.

Aguilar, on the other hand, won’t be able to play for the RSJs (Rookies-Sophomores-Juniors) in All-Star Game and won’t be able to compete in the slam-dunk competition where he is the heavy favorite.

Nonetheless, the PBA will still have a great package to offer to the basketball fans here.

Danny Ildefonso, Niño Canaleta, Danny Seigle, Joseph Yeo, Mike Cortez, Sol Mercado and Willie Miller are also part of Team Greats while Asi Taulava, Sean Anthony, PJ Simon, Macmac Cardona, Cyrus Baguio and Jeff Chan complete the Stalwarts roster.

Agustin and Caidic serve as playing coaches.

“It will be like the B-Meg-Talk n Text finals. It will be a battle till the end,” said Patrimonio.

“Of course, these young guys are a lot quicker. Like Josh Urbiztondo here. But don’t get behind me, I’ll trip you,” said Lastimosa, in jest, during the press conference at the Plaza del Norte Hotel and Convention Center yesterday.

“Just give us respect,” Isaac said repeatedly with a smile on his face.

NOTES: Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos said Ilocanos have their sports heroes, proudly mentioning swimmer Teofilo Yldefonso who produced two Olympic bronze medals for the country….From being a “WAP” before, Marcos said she’s turned to be a “MAP.” She said WAP stands for ‘wife of PBA’ while MAP is “mother of PBA.” The good governor is separated from grand slam champion coach Tommy Manotoc. Their son Matthew now runs a sports agency, managing PBA players.