Chris Clay and Mr. Jones

Chris Clay has always been a revelation. First suiting up for the Laguna Lakers, Clay emerged as an explosive scorer and defensive leader. He led the MBA statistically, and finished the last season with an astonishing average of 29 points and 12 rebounds per game.

When Laguna’s backer, FedEx, moved on to the PBA, Clay was unable to secure the necessary papers to enter the PBA draft. However, he did sign a contract to play with the Pangasinan Waves, where he would be teamed up with the league’s franchise center, Romel Adducul.

It was, therefore, a huge surprise when the 6-4 forward appeared in a Sta. Lucia Realty uniform as an import.

"There were some financial problems with Pangasinan," Clay told The STAR. "So I started to contact organizations in the PBA to tell them I would be available as an import to make ends meet elsewhere."

"It was really great timing that brought Chris Clay to us," said Sta. Lucia consultant Alfrancis Chua, a buddy of Clay’s. "The same Wednesday when our import suddenly flew back to the States, Chris came to try out. And he did okay."

This is an unprecedented situation. According to Clay, there used to be a rule wherein an import could not apply as a Fil-Am. But now, if his papers are cleared by the Department of Justice by December, the left-handed dunker will become the first player to suit up as an import and a local in the Philippine Basketball Association.

"I’ve always wanted to play in the PBA," admits Clay, dubbed Texas Thunder for his explosive style of play and Texan origins. "The competition is a bit stronger, the players are bigger. But, as an import, there’s more pressure on me to perform."

"He’s an import; he’s not a local player anymore," emphasizes Realtors coach Norman Black. "I expect him to do a bit of everything, shoot, rebound, pass out of double-teams. He’s been used to playing in the MBA as a local player. This is the PBA, the competition is a bit stiffer."

Clay had not seen action since May, but did quite well, proving to be as vocal on the court as he is soft-spoken off it.

"They’re expecting me to shoot the ball, which I’m pretty used to," he adds. "But I have to work on my outside shooting more."

"Chris is okay," says Sta. Lucia center Omanzie Rodriguez. "And Chito (Victolero) and I don’t really have much of an adjustment to make because we played against him back in the MBA."

"Give him a few more practices, and he’ll be fine," Victolero adds.

"He takes advice well, and he works hard," puts in forward Gerard Francisco.

Meanwhile, last night and without Clay, the MBA selection representing the Philippines left for the William Jones Cup in Taiwan. There were some adjustments made, as some of the players had problems acquiring the necessary travel documents in so short a time. Head coach Francis Rodriguez held practice twice a day at the San Juan Gym with the core of Jeff Flowers (Olongapo), Alex Compton and Eddie Laure (Batangas), Romel Adducul (Pangasinan), John Ferriols and Reynel Hugnatan (Negros). Newcomers Peter June Simon and Billy Mamaril (Davao) and SEA Games veteran Egay Echavez were also at the practices.

The team has a lot of speed and outside shooting, which will help tremendously against the bigger teams playing. RP Team scout Binky Favis will also be joining the contingent, as he will be able to scout Taiwan and a few of the players from other teams who will be seeing action in the Asian Games.

It will be a major achievement for our players to finish better than fourth, considering how lopsided the officiating has been in past tournaments. Let’s pray for their personal safety, as well. We all remember what happened to the Iloilo MegaVoltz three years ago.

Godspeed, gentlemen.