Elmer dispels rumors - SPORTING CHANCE by Joaquin M. Henson

Pop Cola isn’t leaving the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). That’s the word from Panthers team manager Elmer Yanga who says there’s no truth to rumors the Concepcion franchise is packing up.

Last Sunday, Pop Cola lost its sixth straight game and bowed out of contention for a quarterfinals ticket in the Governors Cup. But it won’t mean an early Christmas vacation for the Panthers. Yanga says the team will take a one-week break then on Monday, he’ll confer with coach Chot Reyes on what to do until the start of the next season. Going on an extended vacation isn’t an option.

Yanga says among players on the roster, only Roel Gomez and William Antonio hold expiring contracts. Antonio’s agent Paul Howard is arriving from Los Angeles to negotiate a new contract before the year ends. As for Gomez, Yanga couldn’t confirm if the long-distance gunner will be back.

Is it true that Pop Cola is planning a major lineup overhaul? Yanga says like other teams, Pop Cola is always looking to improve. If there’s a good offer on the table, he’ll definitely study it before deciding whether or not to bite.

"We’re always open to the possibility of a trade – why not?" continues Yanga. "Chemistry is important in a team. Balance, too. Kung makakabuti, I see no reason why we shouldn’t consider trading."

Is it true that four Panthers are on the untouchable list as far as trade bait is concerned? Yanga says Ali Peek, Antonio, Noli Locsin, and Allen Gamboa are the Panthers’ anchors but if a player like Danny Ildefonso or Danny Siegle is available for a deal, can anyone be indispensable?

Gamboa was Pop Cola’s second round pick in this year’s draft. Instead of joining the Panthers, Gamboa went to the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA). He’s since been released by the Iloilo Megavoltz. Gamboa made his PBA debut in Pop Cola’s game against Sta. Lucia last Sunday.

Is it true that before Pop Cola flew in Bryatt Vann for Sunday’s game, management tried to sign up MBA "Fil-Am" Chris Clay? Yanga admits Clay was contacted. Clay was released by his club but not by the MBA. If released by the MBA, he would’ve played against Sta. Lucia, not Vann, as an import – not as a Fil-Am because he has no Department of Justice clearance.

Yanga relates that injured import Sean Green limped out of Manila last Tuesday. Management didn’t decide to get a replacement until San Miguel Beer lost to Tanduay last Wednesday. San Miguel’s defeat meant Pop Cola could still tie for the last quarters slot. As it turned out, Pop Cola lost its final game to Sta. Lucia so San Miguel’s loss was inconsequential.

Yanga says in tight replacement situations, the PBA allows a team to play importless for a game without a fine. But Pop Cola still hired Vann on a game-to-game contract. Los Angeles-based agent Mike Gonzalez arranged for Vann to plane in last Saturday. Vann returns home today. He shot 37 points in Pop Cola’s 105-86 loss to Sta. Lucia last Sunday.

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Vann played two years for the University of Oklahoma under legendary coach Billy Tubbs. His father Brice played for the Harlem Road Kings, a Globetrotters-like squad, and the Kansas City Steers in the minors years ago. His brother Brandy played baseball for the Milwaukee Brewers farm club.

In his first year at Oklahoma, Vann averaged 5.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 16 minutes in 27 games, three of which he started. He compiled 21 points, five rebounds, and two steals against Oral Roberts during the season. The 6-4, 217-pound Vann hit 12 triples and shot 30.3 percent from three-point range, 40.3 percent overall. But in Big-8 Conference play, he shot a lowly 26.4 percent from the field and 26.7 percent from three-point distance.

"We all know what Bryatt is capable of and we never lost confidence in him," said Tubbs. "While he probably didn’t have his best year of shooting from the floor, his attitude, hustle, and intensity all made him a valuable asset to the team. Those were things that can’t be seen on the year-end stats."

In his second and final year in 1992-93 at Oklahoma, Vann averaged 16.9 points and 6.7 rebounds. He shot 35.1 percent from three-point range.

Oklahoma posted a combined 41-21 record in Vann’s two years with the varsity. Among his college teammates were future pros Brent Price and Jeff Webster (who tried out for Red Bull this year).

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Is it true that Reyes won’t be back on the Pop Cola bench next year and will take over from Joe Lipa as Ateneo coach? Yanga says Reyes’ contract expires next year and a PBA coach is prohibited from coaching any other team – including a school team.

"As far as I know, Chot will be back with us next season," says Yanga. "His contract, of course, has an out clause but we’re looking forward to building from our performance this year."

Is it true that management has contacted St. Benilde coach Dong Vergeire to join the Panthers coaching staff? "Not that I know of," replies Yanga, reiterating that Reyes has a live contract that expires next year.

One thing is sure – Pop Cola will be back in the PBA next season. With a bang, hopes Yanga.