Shell import arrives today

Finally, Shell import Askia Jones’ partner is arriving today but he’s not former Houston Rockets forward Chucky Brown.

Turbochargers coach Perry Ronquillo told The STAR yesterday 6-7, 215-pound forward Monte O’Quinn of Northeastern Illinois will team up with Jones in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Samsung Governors Cup starting next Sunday.

Brown, a 12-year National Basketball Association (NBA) veteran, had agreed to fly in– until an offer came to extend his career in the majors last Wednesday. Luckily, Ronquillo found O’Quinn available.

O’Quinn made a name for himself at Farragut Academy, the same Chicago high school that produced NBA star Kevin Garnett and former Tanduay import Ronnie Fields. He played four years at Northeastern Illinois, an NCAA Division I school, and as a senior in 1995-96, grabbed 10.6 rebounds a game to rank 15th in the nation. O’Quinn also averaged 19.9 points that season.

Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook writer Geoff Cabe described O’Quinn as aggressive and quick. "He likes to score down low off spin moves," added Cabe.

Ronquillo said with Chris Jackson in the candidates pool, he’ll look to O’Quinn to take care of the post. Shell will also miss the services of Chris Calaguio, another pool draftee, and injured guard Dale Singson–out until April or May.

Ronquillo, 36, is fresh from inking a three-year renewal of his Shell contract.

"To be honest, there were bigger offers from other teams," said Ronquillo whose contract expired at the end of last season. "But it was more than just money. Shell is like family. I’ve spent seven years with Shell. I love the players–we have mutual respect for each other."

Ronquillo said in the recent draft, he went for fresh flood–not that Shell’s veterans are ready to hang up their sneakers, far from it. Shell was the draft’s valedictorian with seven picks although Ronquillo said only four were signed up. The rookies who made the cut were Calaguio, Frederick Canlas, Rainier Sison, and Edwin Bacani.

"Chris is a hard worker," said Ronquillo, referring to the former Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) star who inked a four-year P14.4 million deal. "He’s comfortable playing either one or two. He practiced with us a few days before joining the candidates pool and looked good."

As for the 6-9 Canlas, Ronquillo said he’s impressed by the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) beanpole’s skills. "He’s got good timing and a nice perimeter shot. In his rookie year, I’m hoping to build up his physical strength–he’s only 185 pounds. He’s active for a 6-9 player. He’s a project but a good gamble. I’d rather draft a 6-9 center than a 6-4 center whom I can’t use."

Canlas, Sison, and Bacani were signed to two-year contracts.

"I see Sison playing one or two, helping to bring up the ball behind Gerry (Esplana) and Jun (Marzan)," said Ronquillo. "Edwin’s been a pleasant surprise. I knew all along he’s a great shooter but I never knew he was such a tenacious defender, a fighter who won’t back down from anyone."

Gone from last year’s lineup are Mark Telan (traded to Talk ’N Text for the Phone Pals’ 2003 second round pick), Joel Dualan, and Benny Cheng. Art del Rosario was signed to a one-year renewal. The other veterans are back.

Ronquillo said the team resumed practice last Jan. 7 and welcomed back Jones–who led Shell to third place in the last Governors Cup–over two weeks ago.

"The good news is except for Dale, we’re all healthy," said Ronquillo. "Mike (Hrabak) is fully recovered from his varicose problem. I’m hoping Benjie (Paras) can play the whole year. Our trainer (Herc Callanta) has designed a different training regimen for Benjie since we can’t subject him to the same rigorous grind as the others. Tony (de la Cruz) has been a revelation and I think his offense will come out this year. He makes good decisions and is gaining confidence."

De la Cruz, a Fil-Am, married his long-time girlfriend Julie Primero last Jan. 5.

Last year, Shell posted a 25-26 record and made it to the semifinals of two conferences. It was a dramatic improvement from the previous season where Shell never advanced beyond the eliminations and slumped to a woeful 9-24 record.