Jong’s son shines in Nike camp

BEIJING – Johan Uichico made the six-man Philippine delegation to the Nike All-Asia Basketball Camp 02 proud Saturday as the 16-year-old Ateneo senior high was named the day’s Mr. Hustle.

And Uichico, son of Philippine national coach Jong, became extra happy with his Nuggets team in the camp gaining outright entry into the semifinals of the competition among the campers with a 4-1 win-loss record in the eliminations.

Actually, another Filipino youth in Michael Vincent Baldos is a member of the team. However, Baldos has missed two games and is a doubtful starter in the semis because of an upset stomach.

The games are being held in between lectures and drills. Ken Barracoso and Rejan Lee are with the Wizards team which has yet to win a single game while Joseph Casio and John Calger Condevillamar are with the Lakers who went 1-4 in the elims. The semifinals and the finals are set Sunday. Afterwards, the best players will be picked to play in an All-Star Game to close the activities in the six-day camp.

Camp officials have been giving awards everyday, and Uichico emerged as the first and only Filipino thus far to gain special honors. "I’m so happy because even in a little way, I was able to give honor to our country," said Uichico, who indeed played with great energy and enthusiasm Saturday despite a sprained ankle.

Other players given special awards earlier were Taiwanese pointguard Li Wei Lun (Mr. Hustle), Chinese behemoths Chen Da Wei and Yi Jian Lian (for leadership) and Chinese deadly all-around player Men Wei (Mr. Hustle).

Yi and Men are the Nuggets’ one-two punch in the mini tourney. Uichico and Baldos are giving significant contribution while alternating at the starting small forward spot.

Baldos, a San Beda Cub who is a member of the RP youth training pool, was actually the most impressive performer among the Filipinos until he suffered the stomach upset. The American coaches here are calling him Charles Barkley because of his bulky chest. Another Filipino player making a good account for himself is Barracoso, another Atenean. However, his team has been losing badly with its big players hobbled by injuries.