Basketball unforgettables

Hoops was wild in 2003. Many innovators, stars and black hearts dotted the landscape. But who were the most memorable (and regrettable) scene-stealers of the year? Let’s run over the list.

The SMC All-Stars. Talk about making a difference. San Miguel found the perfect role for the retired and unwanted of the PBA: ambassadors of good will. All year through, the north and south teams flew to some of the most far-flung places in the country to spread cheer. They played with the disabled, visited with the abandoned elderly, read to and played games with orphans, and cheered up the destitute. You could truly feel God’s love.

A trio of coaches.

Sing no sad songs for Aric del Rosario, Boycie Zamar and Perry Ronquillo. Del Rosario is finally passing on the reigns of the UST Growling Tigers, but snagged a SEA Games gold medal as a parting gift. His legacy includes piloting teams to UAAP and MBA titles, as well.

Zamar quietly parted ways with UE, despite giving the school two championships. There is a very deep, complex reason, but Zamar is too much of a gentleman to speak ill of anyone. After twelve years of coaching (the last five at the helm of Shell) Ronquillo is taking a break. His overachievers won the 1999 All-Filipino, but injuries and lack of material proved insurmountable.

Jimwell Torion. At number 8, how many times can you hit rock-bottom in one season? A pre-season fracas. Busted for using shabu. A quick reinstatement, then a bone-shattering blow to a rookie’s face in a lost game. Now Torion is asking for a reduced sentence, playing tearful repentant to the hilt. Should we bite?

Alex Compton. He came, he saw, he conquered. Returning to the land of his birth, Compton was the sole beneficiary of a quirky rule in the MBA. The Cornell alum won titles and an MVP award. He has been a model citizen, learning the language and acting more Filipino than many locals. Now, he wants to enter the PBA Draft although he is American. Is he that exceptional, and won’t it open another can of worms?

Jimmy Alapag. The mouse that roared. Alapag was an outstanding unknown who suffered so much in 2002. His documents took forever, keeping him out of the Asian Games team. Finally cleared, he breaks his hand in his first game, and misses the plane to Seoul.

This year, he reaped his reward, leading Talk ‘N Text to its first title, and cops both Rookie of the Year and Mythical Team citations.

Patience is a virtue.

(To be continued.)