In this installment on next month’s return of 1985 PBA MVP Ricardo Brown, we look at how the former Great Taste Coffeemaker and San Miguel Beerman has kept updated with developments in the PBA, and how intense his desire is to come back and hopefully stay in the Philippines for good. In March of last year, he sent a message of condolence on the passing of former PBA commisioner Rudy Salud.
“March 15, 2011. I realize the passing of the former commissioner was a blow to everyone, me included. Rudy was an excellent commissioner, but an even better man...a true professional and gentleman at all times. I’ll always remember him that way.”
Those triggered memories seemed to intensify his desire to return to the Philippines. The following day, he reinforced this with another message to this writer, built around his reflections on how the deluge of Fil-Am players gradually changed the culture of the league.
“March 16, 2011. If possible, plant a seed about my desire to be an asset either to the league or a specific team. I’m very interested to work for the league or a team to help build not only a winner...but most importantly, a league and/or a team that is CONNECTED to the fans with their heart and soul. That is not difficult to do with Filipino basketball fans, but it takes first a vision, then the implementation of that vision.”
And as if he needed to prove himself or refer to his impressive resume, Brown reminded us of his qualifications, not to brag, but to pitch himself. This shows the childlike passion with which he has wanted to come home.
“Granted I have not been there in some time... but I’ll answer that with these three comments:
1. I know Filipino basketball fans and what they want and need in a basketball team/league – it’s simple: they want players to play their hearts out each and every night...without exception, and they want a team that plays as a team – not a bunch of individuals – and a team that appreciates the fans support given to them.
2. I know the game of basketball... I played it with heart and passion for nearly 30 years, and while it has ‘evolved’ somewhat, basketball is still basketball: you work every day in practice to become fundamentally sound as a player and a team – this is where Coaching/Teaching comes in – you make sacrifices and accept that the common goal is to win, you carry yourself as the professional you are both on and off the court, and you fully understand that the fans are what keeps this league and your job afloat... therefore, you have an obligation to embrace the fans at every opportunity.
3. I’m a very quick and astute learner, and my work ethic will speak for itself... it would take me no time at all to once again get my finger on the pulse of the PBA once again.”
Beyond a possible full-time job, Brown is hoping to share his knowledge with the youth in the Philippines through speaking engagements. The ace point guard rues the emphasis on sports to the detriment of education, as he makes clear later that month.
“March 28, 2011. Speaking is another story... especially if I can emphasize the importance of one’s education along with the athletic dreams. I regret not doing that when I was playing. I used to talk about it a lot, how I noticed players never talk about the importance of education... it was sports, sports, sports. I used to think about how so many kids hear the ‘sports only’ message and they all think they will be the next Sonny Jaworski.”
And finally, to underscore his seriousness, Brown admitted he was willing to let go of his hard-earned security of tenure as principal of Ross Middle School in Cerritos, California.
“April 10, 2011. I told you a while back that my heart is calling me back home to Manila to reconnect with and give back to the people, help Philippine basketball, and be an asset to the PBA... that desire hasn’t changed and I’m more determined than ever. If it doesn’t happen, it won’t be because of a lack of effort on my part. How strong is this commitment? I’m talking about potentially giving up a high-paying position as a Principal in a very prestigious school district, and in this economy here where teachers are being laid off by the hundreds and Principal positions being available are extremely rare... they will think I’m crazy. However, as I said, my heart is calling me back home. I’ll give it my best shot.”
A solid promise from The Quick Brown Fox.
* * *
Brown also corrected a detail in our first piece on him. It was his dear friend, the late sports broadcaster Pinggoy Pengson who gave him his moniker and not Joe Cantada. Pengson also crafted the phrase “cardiac game” which was acknowledged by Time magazine in the mid-1980’s.