Attitude is best policy

Barako Bull coach Koy Banal is counting his blessings. He took over the Energy reins from Siot Tanquingcen a day before the PBA season opened and endured a major personnel revamp to somehow keep the team’s head over water. Barako posted a 4-7 record in the eliminations and one of its victims was Alaska, now playing in the Philippine Cup finals. The Energy squeezed into the first stage of the quarterfinals and wound up No. 9 in the standings.

During the preseason, Barako let go of Mark Isip, Keith Jensen and Willie Miller and brought in R. R. Garcia, Chico Lanete and rookies Jake Pascual and Papot Paredes. And just before the playoffs started, Barako traded Jeric Fortuna to San Miguel Beer for Paolo Hubalde and Mick Pennisi to Purefoods for Isaac Holstein and Ronnie Matias. There is talk of another high-profile trade in the works and it may be announced any time now.

For Banal, change is something that’s a constant in the professional game. That’s why leagues like the NBA and PBA are so dynamic. The quicker you accept changes, the better for your peace of mind. “I’ve learned through the years that if you can’t change a situation, then you change your attitude,” he said. For Banal, patience is a virtue that will eventually lead to good things.

When the conference ended for Barako, Banal called for practice right away. He didn’t want the players to think that an early vacation was a reward for a so-so showing. Banal summoned the players, one by one, for individual exit interviews, something he learned from Tim Cone as a former assistant.

“We’re quite happy with the way our players embraced their role,” said Banal. “Two guys who showed promise were Papot and Dave (Marcelo). Papot’s a mobile big guy who can run the floor and give us inside presence. He also has a mid-range game. He just needs to work on his conditioning. Dave was another pleasant surprise. I think Isaac has potential. One guy who didn’t get much playing time in the conference was Nico (Salva). I talked with Nico and he’s excited to improve defensively.”

* * * *

J. C. Intal, Willie Wilson, Carlo Lastimosa and Garcia also rated highly in Banal’s evaluation. “J. C. and Carlo can develop into go-to guys,” he said. “J. C.’s an exciting open court player. He’s gaining confidence. Coach Bong (Ramos) gave him the chance to shine and he continues to get better. He needs to improve his shot selection as he has a tendency to rush. He also needs to be a tough defender. Carlo has to be more consistent and that will come with maturity. He’s still a young player. I can’t say enough about Willie. He has a high basketball IQ, plays defense, rebounds and scores. He rarely has a bad game. With R. R., I want him to enjoy himself out there. He’s a talent and he has given us big games. I want him to be consistent in playing his best, every game.”

Banal said veteran Dorian Pena came back to play two games in the eliminations but wasn’t ready. “We’ve signed him up for the season,” he said. “Dorian is coming off an Achilles heel injury. He felt his body was ready so we let him play two games. But his ankle swelled and we rested him in the last game against Talk ‘N’ Text. He’s really motivated to play and we need him.”

Banal said whatever lineup Barako ends up with, he’ll just find ways to win. “I waited 10 years for this break,” he said. “It’s a blessing to work in the PBA whether as a coach or player or in any capacity. I can’t complain. I want our players to be motivated to play their best. Maybe, it’s a way for them to find better teams in the future. As I’ve always told our players, be ready for any eventuality. We want to make the most of this opportunity and do our best for management and the fans.”

Banal said Barako’s 7-1 import Solomon Alabi of Nigeria is expected to arrive on Monday. Alabi, 26, was the Dallas Mavericks’ second round draft pick in 2010 and played two seasons with the Toronto Raptors.

* * * *

The Rotary Club of Rizal Mideast is hosting the fourth leg of the Rotary International District 3800 golf tournament at the Sun Valley Golf and Country Club in Antipolo tomorrow with Mayor Jun-Jun Ynares doing the ceremonial tee-off at 7 a.m.

Rotary Club of Rizal Mideast president Tony Constantino and past president Jun Sarreal are joining hands to stage the fund-raising event. Sarreal, also the tournament director, said the club is raising funds to support free eye cataract operations for the underprivileged. Ophthalmologist Dr. Bong Cruz of St. Luke’s Medical Center is in charge of Rotary’s eye outreach mission. “We enjoin you to come and support this worthwhile project for the benefit of our club’s other service projects,” said Sarreal, a long-time fight promoter, matchmaker and manager whose late father Lope is enshrined in the International Boxing Hall of Fame and late brother-in-law was former world junior lightweight champion Flash Elorde. “Do play golf with us and have a blast while contributing your share to Rotary’s noble activities.”

Sarreal said past Rotary Club 101 of Manila president and WBO welterweight champion Rep. Manny Pacquiao, his business manager Eric Pineda and friend Jorge Yulo were invited to grace the affair. Among the event sponsors are Grand Monaco, Manila Broadcasting Company, Sta. Lucia Realty, PCSO, Columbia Motors, Futoshi Hiruta (Hill International Company Ltd. of Japan) and Mar Lualhati Construction Company.