Aces team manager Joaqui Trillo described Badgett, who’s about 6-4, as Alaska’s type of player. "He works hard," said Trillo. "He looks bulky but he’s fast and can run the floor. He’s not afraid to challenge the big guys inside. He can shoot the three, too. He’s small for a 6-8 conference so height is a concern. I’d like to find out how tall he really is because we might be able to also use him in the Third Conference."
Last Wednesday, the 227-pound Badgett scored 38 points in Alaska’s 101-94 exhibition loss to Purefoods at the Reyes gym. He hit 9-of-11 in the first half which the Aces took by 10. The Hot Dogs, however, bounced back down the stretch as Boyet Fernandez hit five late treys and David Wood dominated to key the seven-point win.
Purefoods coach Eric Altamirano said he was impressed by Badgett who has no National Basketball Association (NBA) experience, unlike Wood. "He’s like a horse – he’s very quick, like a bigger version of (ex-import) Derrick Brown," noted Altamirano. "He was all pumped up for our game."
Because of Badgett’s height deficiency, he wasn’t matched up against Wood. Instead, Cone used James Wallkvist and Don Allado to alternate on "The Gladiator."
Trillo said referees Franco Ilagan and Ernie de Leon, who worked the exhibition, commented that Badgett played like a younger and bigger Sean Chambers.
Incidentally, Chambers was in the gym watching Badgett whom he handpicked for Cone.
Trillo confided that Alaska went through the wringer before finding Badgett. Devin Davis was at the top of the Aces’ wish list but couldn’t come–he’s due for knee repair surgery and a long rest after a grueling stint in the Spanish league. Silas Mills couldn’t be reached. Artemus McClary initially agreed to plane in last Tuesday but later backed out because of some injury–tendonitis or bone spurs or whatever.
Rosell Ellis, whom Mobiline brought in a few weeks ago, was another option. Ellis left town after learning that the Phone Pals had secretly called for another import to try out. Trillo said Ellis will attend the Detroit Pistons free agents camp then decide whether or not to entertain another PBA offer. Then there was Tanduay’s former import Ira (Superman) Clark who said he’s available to fly in on a day’s notice. Tanduay had relinquished its rights on Clark, now a free agent. But a pending court case against Clark stemming from a mauling incident at a Makati disco doused Alaska’s interest.
With Alaska’s options dwindling, Chambers came to the rescue. Chambers personally brought Badgett to Manila last Sunday and told Cone "he’s the guy you need."
Trillo said Cone is happy with Badgett. "We’re all excited," added Trillo. "But it remains to be seen how he’ll perform in an actual game. He’s a great practice player but we still have to see if he’s a great game player."
Badgett’s first test will be against Red Bull in the Second Conference opener in Balanga, Bataan, tomorrow.
Badgett, 28, averaged 24 points and 11 rebounds at Omaha South High School and made it to the All-State first team in 1990-91. He gained 20 pounds before suiting up as a freshman for coach Danny Nee at the University of Nebraska in 1992-93.
A role player at Nebraska, Badgett’s claim to fame was the varsity Cornhuskers never had a losing record during his four-year stint. He hit at a 6.7 clip in his first season as Nebraska posted a 20-10 mark. As a sophomore, Badgett averaged 8.6 points–shooting 50 percent from the field–and 4.6 rebounds. In his junior season, he shot 8.1 points a game. And as a senior in 1995-96, Badgett averaged 6.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 14.6 minutes as Nebraska registered a 21-14 record and captured the National Invitation Tournament title.
Among Badgett’s collegiate teammates were NBA players Tyrone Lue (Los Angeles Lakers), Mikki Moore, Eric Piatkowski, and Erick Strickland.
Nee called Badgett "a slashing, running, above-the-rim type of player." He added: "He’s an explosive player. He gives us multiple looks because he can play so many different positions and do so many different things." Writer Blair Kerhoff said Badgett is "a hard-working, tightend-sized forward who plays taller than his height."
In a Nebraska game against No. 3 ranked Kansas, Badgett stole the ball and dunked with three seconds to go to spark the Cornhuskers’ upset win. He shot only 11 points but played the hero’s role.
Badgett suited up briefly for the Sioux Falls Skyforce in the Continental league in 1998-99, averaging five points and 2.8 rebounds in five games. He shot 60 percent from the floor and logged two starts. Badgett also saw action in Germany and Taiwan before trying his luck here.
Badgett may not be as credentialed as a David Wood or an Antonio Lang but if his heart is as big as Chambers,’ Cone couldn’t be happier with his unheralded import.