Vince, like Toni, is keeping the faith

KUALA LUMPUR (Via Globe Telecoms) — For Vince Hizon, his stint with the RP men’s basketball team in the 21st Southeast Asian Games is not only a personal honor but also sort of continuing the service his girlfriend Toni Leviste has long been giving to the country in sporting wars.

Leviste, one of the country’s top equestriennes, begged off from competing in the Kuala Lumpur Games with her horse Leap of Faith pregnant and due to deliver soon.

Hizon said his girlfriend is taking care of her darling horse back home so he doubts if she can find time to fly over here to cheer for him.

But the crack Fil-Am shooting guard from Ateneo said he’s making up for Leviste’s absence here, promising to give his best to be of help to the country’s cause here.

"I was excited in joining the delegation in the parade. This is my first time here and it feels great to serve flag and country," said Hizon, who’ll finally don the national jersey after getting the clearance from Iloilo Megavoltz team owner Robert Puckett.

Hizon was in the RP team lineup in the Southeast Asian Games Basketball Association men’s championship held in Sta. Cruz, Laguna four months ago but never got to play as he got the clearance from Puckett a little late. Hizon and Puckett are still locked in a legal battle over the player’s unpaid salaries with the defunct MBA ballclub. — Nelson Beltran