Hoping for a shot

Dexter Racho isn’t what scouts call a blue-chipper. In the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) draft this Sunday, he’s considered a long shot.

But Racho is hopeful. All he’s asking for is an opportunity to realize his life-long dream of playing in the PBA. He promises to give his best — "more than 100 percent" — to any team that takes a chance on him.

Racho has no preference as to which team to play for. He says the choice isn’t his in the first place. His job is to adjust. He’ll do whatever it takes to stick, to gain his coach’s confidence, to earn his teammates’ trust.

Realistically, Racho doesn’t expect to be picked high. The draft is loaded with talent. The pool is so deep that possible starters might still be available on the third round. It’s not just the Fil-Ams hogging the limelight. Stars from the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) are on the list. And let’s not forget standouts from the Philippine Basketball League (PBL).

Racho, 24, says his time to move up has come. It’s now or never. He’s been overshadowed by San Beda high school teammate Chris Calaguio who shone brightly for the San Juan Knights in the MBA and is a sure first round pick. And two of his University of the Philippines (UP) varsity teammates Paolo Mendoza and Bryan Gahol are now PBA mainstays. "Naiwanan na ako," moans Racho.

One thing going for Racho is he’s well-schooled. At UP, he polished his skills under Joe Lipa and Eric Altamirano. It was Altamirano who recruited Racho as a practice player for Mobiline a few years ago. Altamirano also accommodated Racho to play in Purefoods practices last season.

Racho says he’s ready to mix it up with the PBA’s best. He recalls getting caught in switches against Asi Taulava and Andy Seigle at Mobiline and playing alongside import Larry Robinson, a New York Knicks reserve in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

"Ang lalaki nila — sina Asi at Andy," says Racho. But he claims he held his own — he didn’t back down. And conversing with Robinson after practices was an inspiration. "Akalain mo, kausap ko isang NBA player," he gushes.

Two years in the PBL and a conference for the Nueva Ecija Patriots under coach Jojo Villa are cornerstones of the wealth of experience that Racho brings to the table. It’s not much but Racho insists the exposure opened his eyes to the high level of competition he anticipates in the PBA — it was an early baptism of fire.

Racho says he owes a lot to Lipa for allowing him to play different positions at UP. Because the Maroons lacked ceiling, Racho recalls playing some center — bodying up against big boys under the basket — and power forward. He says he’s played all positions throughout his career. At 6-2, Racho could be a combo guard alternating at one or two although he prefers playing three.

Racho says in the PBA, he idolizes Alaska’s Kenneth Duremdes and dreams of playing like Captain Marbel. In the NBA, he singles out Portland’s Scottie Pippen as his favorite. If Racho could only play like Duremdes and Pippen, he’ll be a prized catch in this Sunday’s draft.

Racho, who’s married with a three-year-old son, confesses that he’s both excited and nervous about the draft. He doesn’t know if he’ll be picked at all. But he’s hoping some team will give him the break that he’s been praying for.

The team that picks him won’t regret it, he says. "I’m a hard worker," Racho insists. "If I get the chance, I’ll prove I belong in the PBA."

Any takers?