Menk being eyed as Tanduay import

Like Asi Taulava, Eric Menk may make his return stint in the PBA hardcourt soon — not as a regular Tanduay player, though, but as import of the Basic Holdings Inc. ballclub in the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup.

Tanduay alternate board representative Atty. Toy Cedo wrote acting PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios yesterday, informing him of their plan to replace Kevin Freeman with Menk and inquiring if the Fil-Am cager faces the danger of losing his local status in the future if he does play as the Tanduay import in this conference.

Barrios assured Tanduay Menk could play as import in the ongoing tournament and regain his local player status as soon as he gets his citizenship confirmation papers from the Department of Justice.

If ever, Menk is likely to play his first game as Tanduay import on July 1 versus San Miguel Beer. There were reports that Menk is still studying whether to accept the offer since he’s not in "playing form," with no single regular game he had played for nearly a year

While Taulava’s citizenship problem is finally resolved, Menk’s case is still on the shelf and the Tanduay Fil-Am cager’s patience is wearing thin.

Menk said earlier his playing contract with Tanduay Rhum is expiring at the end of the year and he said he’ll have no recourse but to leave the country if his case isn’t resolved.

However, the 6-foot-6 Fil-Am cager said he’s still hoping he’ll get his Filipino citizenship with assistance from the league.

"The PBA is trying to help me in a few different ways. I’m not really that optimistic but I am hopeful. I’m practising, trying to stay in shape," said Menk.

"Been talking to Mr. Barrios because they have an idea to possibly resolve my situation. I want to touch base with them. But it still sounds like a long way off," he said.

Sitting out Tanduay’s games for over 10 months now, Menk said he’s been to three different stages. "First, I was patient, then I got frustrated and now I’m beyond frustration and I’m being upset. I love it here and I like playing basketball here, so I don’t want to leave. Hopefully we can get this resolved within the next six months," he said.

Menk said he’s getting more frustrated seeing other Fil-Ams playing in the league. — Nelson Beltran