Barako awaits Enrico’s return
With Allein Maliksi and Doug Kramer gone, Barako Bull coach Rajko Toroman said yesterday he’s banking on center Enrico Villanueva shoring up the frontline after a nine-month absence since surgery to repair a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
Villanueva, 33, was averaging a career-high 14.1 points when he hurt his knee during Barako’s 86-85 loss to Air 21 in the PBA Philippine Cup last November. So far, he has missed 21 games, 14 of which Barako lost. Toroman said Villanueva got the go-signal from doctors to start practice two weeks ago and may be ready to return to action against his former team Barangay Ginebra on Aug. 30 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
It’s been a challenge for Toroman to rebuild Barako. Last May, he brought the Energy Cola to play in an invitational tournament in Dubai where import Mike Singletary was tested. Because of Barako’s early start in preparing for the Governors Cup, the Energy Cola looked sharp in offseason scrimmages.
“Someone told me we were the champion of the preseason but unfortunately, that doesn’t count,” chuckled Toroman. “Against Alaska which played a complete lineup, we won even if five of our key players, including Mike, didn’t play. Maliksi scored 31 points in that game. We tied Petron but beat Meralco and Rain Or Shine. We lost only once, to Globalport, but that was very early in training camp.”
Toroman admitted he was surprised that Maliksi and Kramer were traded before the third conference started. “That’s management decision,” he said. “My job is to try to win with the players we have. I promised management we will be competitive, no matter what. I realize it’s difficult to advance to the quarterfinals. Right now, the last two teams in the standings are San Mig Coffee and Ginebra and it’s hard to imagine those teams not making it to the playoffs. So we’ve got to double our effort, play smart and play hard.”
Asked if it’s true that a big-name player is on his way to Barako via a trade, Toroman said he’s not aware of developments. “If it happens, I’m all for it,” he said. “But if it doesn’t, we’ll just have to compete with what we have. Jonas (Villanueva) is out for the conference after surgery to fix a tear in his meniscus. Dorian (Peña) has a broken finger and can’t shoot but he gives us toughness under the boards. We’re very happy with Eman (Monfort) who’s been a pleasant surprise.”
In Barako’s first game this conference, the Energy Cola blew a 16-point third quarter lead to lose to Talk ‘N’ Text, 118113, in overtime. Singletary hit 41 points but went scoreless in extension, hobbled by cramps in both legs.
“We didn’t play smart,” said Toroman. “Mike and Mick (Pennisi) took 20 three-point shots and they’re our best rebounders. If they’re outside, who’ll get the rebounds for us? We gave up 26 offensive rebounds in that game. We could’ve used Dorian to rebound but he still couldn’t play. We also had 21 turnovers. I told Mike in the next game, he has to be more aggressive going to the basket, for him to drive, create and kick out to our shooters like Ronjay (Buenafe) and Mark (Macapagal). Luckily, we won our next game. Mike took only two three-point attempts, scored 28 points and we beat Meralco.”
Toroman said a technical foul hurt Barako’s chances to beat Talk ‘N’ Text in regulation. “Mike was cramping and we wanted to take him out,” said Toroman. “The referees told me they would call an officials timeout so I could substitute Mike but he had to be on the court. Mike was in so much pain, he lied down on the floor and the referees gave him a technical for delay of the game. Talk ‘N’ Text made the foul shot. We also missed a free throw with a few seconds left so we went to overtime.”
Toroman said Villanueva will be a big help. Before he was injured, Villanueva was hitting at a career-high .694 from the line. Only in one of his nine previous seasons did he shoot over 60 percent from the stripe. Villanueva joins a lineup that’s loaded with fellow Ateneans from assistant coach Charles Tiu to Monfort, J. C. Intal and Wesley Gonzales.
Tomorrow, Barako shoots for its second win and Toroman said it won’t be easy beating Air 21. “They’ve got one of the best imports, ( ach) Graham who can score from anywhere he wants,” said Toroman. “Air 21 is a very dangerous team especially if (KG) Canaleta gets hot. They’re well-coached. They’re deep in every position. And Enrico will still not play for us.”
Veteran Danny Seigle collected 12 points and nine rebounds in the 90-89 upset over Meralco and his offense is critical for Barako to beat Air 21. “Danny’s contract is expiring and he’s very motivated to prove he can still play,” said Toroman. “There’s no doubt he can. Danny remains one of the best scorers in the league. He’s the first to show up for practice. Everyone is working hard in the gym. If we work as a team, I think we can qualify for the playoffs.” The big surprise in Barako’s win over Meralco was the 5-6 1 2 Monfort who finished with 22 points, seven rebounds and two assists in 29 minutes.
Toroman said he’d rather coach in the Philippines than anywhere else in the world. “You can’t find any other place where the people love basketball so much,” he said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to coach in the PBA where the level of play is very high. I’m grateful to (Barako Bull team owner) Mr. George Chua and his son Michael for this chance. I’ve coached in many countries. I took Iran to the Olympics. But I will always cherish my experience with the Philippine team and in the PBA.”