Imports can be assets for college basketball
WITH all due respect to my friend and fellow La Salle alumnus Congressman Mikee Romero, I simply disagree with his opinion that imports should not be allowed in college basketball, specifically the UAAP. Why? Because the earlier we are exposed to these giants from other parts of the world, the better. Look what happened to us in the World Cup! Many of our so-called superstars froze. Facing one Blatche is not the same as facing five unfamiliar giants. Of course, like the PBA today, who ever has the better import usually ends up in the finals.
Tough luck. I guess, we Lasallites, were happy when Ben Mbala played for our alma mater. He was a big difference. Now, Ateneo and UP have taller and skillful imports, so sorry nalangtayo. If La Salle’s Justine Baltazar or UP’s Kobe Paras can play and score against these invaders, well and good. They will carry that to the Universiade and later on, to future World Cups. It’s a different world today and we have to make adjustments all the time. Although I must admit, this is not FAIR PLAY. Why? Because some schools may not afford these imports. Not everyone has a Danding Cojuangco, a Hans Sy, or an MVP. And this problem also belongs to the fastest gun alive. La Salle’s Mbala was discovered in Cebu, not Africa. You have to hire good scouts. It’s not all money. Careful. You get some from America and some are spoiled and overrated. They might even sell you to the dogs. If you don’t go out and play abroad with other superior teams, then you’ll end up always a loser in the end. Exposure and experience are always essential to a better place in the sports world.
Aside from the defending champion Ateneo Five, it’s anybody’s game now for the Top Four. UST clobbers favored UP, then La Salle upsets UST convincingly, and UP beats La Salle by one in the last seven seconds of the game. Adamson loses to La Salle. This indeed will be an exciting second round. Which one will the fountain bless?
Sorry guys, but I don’t think UP is a better team than last year. I just saw their game against Ateneo and it disappointed everyone. If Ateneo ever loses at all, it might only be with unpredictable UST or La Salle. It’s the passion and pride that decides this never ending rivalry with the green bloodied Five. UP? No intensity at all. Ateneo played around with them after the first half. Especially when Coach Bo Perasol made the regrettable mistake of his rising basketball life. The damage has been done. Bo is a good coach and a gentleman off the court, but when you lose control, that’s a different thing. Not before thousands of jam-packed crowd inside the Smart Araneta Coliseum but also for the televiewers all over the country watching a replay of the finals last year.
I’m sure all of us were stunned with the clenched fist and everything that Coach Bo showed in those unforgettable sweeping moments. It happens. And can happen to everyone too. What with the kind of referees we have today. OMG! I too, have been there, done that. As the song goes, “SapagkatKamiayTaoLamang.” Although, it does add color to the UAAP. Anyway, UP is lucky to have Coach Ricky Dandan take over for the next game or so. Ricky used to Coach La Salle Bacolod for several years before when school president Bro. Roly Dizon, FSC, my brother-in-law, recruited him. Who knows? He might just do a better job.
This is why the UAAP clicks. You never know who’s going to win or lose next. Unlike the PBA. People are getting tired of watching San Miguel, Ginebra, or Magnolia all the time in the finals or win back-to-back championships. This is one of the reasons why the fans are dwindling. Aside from the referees of course. PBA Comm. Willie Marcial maybe one of the best, but he’s helpless with what he has inherited all these years. You put anybody in that position and it will be the same. Maybe worse. Just like the NBA. Whoever thought that Canada’s Toronto Raptors would ever be the defending champion? Most fanatics thought it would be the Golden State Warriors or Houston. Unless the PBA comes up with a more balanced line up for all teams, it might lose its luster and see the decline of our favorite pastime.