Alvarez wants to close amateur career with MVP title

A day after being anointed as the No. 1 pick in the Annual PBA Rookie Draft, Fash Liquid Detergent star Rich Alvarez was still looking a bit thunder-struck.

It was understandable, though. For one, nobody expected the 6-foot-4 power forward to be named the top pick considering that most of the big guns from the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) made themselves available in the draft.

"Nobody spoke to me about me being the No. 1 pick. Nobody from Shell spoke to me, I only learned about it when they (Shell) called my name," said Alvarez moments before their grudge match with Welcoat Paints at the San Juan Gym.

"It’s going to be a tough job but I will do my best," said the Japan-born Alvarez. "They (Shell management and fans) will expect a lot from me so I have to play a lot harder."

"He’s a good catch. I saw how he blossomed as one of the league’s superstars. He’s a disciplined and hard-working player," said Commissioner Chino Trinidad. "He’s a fighter, so he’s up to the task."

While he’s excited to strut his wares in the pro league, the amiable former Ateneo star is likewise looking forward for a grand exit as an amateur player. Chief of his concern now is to give Fash Liquid Power one more championship and vowed to give his all in his remaining games as an amateur to ensure that 2003 will be a grand year for the team.

The Liquid Power, also bannered by Peter June Simon, Allan Salangsang and Wesley Gonzales, won the 2003 First Conference at the expense of Viva Mineral Water-FEU last June.

"I want to give this team (Fash) one more championship before moving up to the pro league and I will do everything for this team," said the 23-year-old Alvarez who played a key role in Ateneo’s 2002 victory in the UAAP.

With Fash Liquid winning its last six games, including a 70-66 win over the Paint Masters last Saturday, Alvarez has moved up to second place in the race for the second conference MVP.

If the Liquid Power advance to the finals and eventually win the championship, the MVP plum might go to either Alvarez or Simon for sheer hard work and perseverance.

Montaña’s Gary David, picked No. 10 by Coca-Cola, romped off with the First Conference MVP by beating the likes of Alvarez, Simon and Salangsang in a tight contest.

One reason coach Junel Baculi has so much respect for Alvarez is his heart and willingness to learn.

"I have no doubt in my mind that Rich will become a great player someday. Saludo ako sa batang yan, talagang determinado."

Aside from his myriad moves inside the paint, Alvarez is one of the finest defensive players in the PBL right now. With him patrolling the shaded lane like a wounded Tiger, the Liquid Power limited Welcoat’s big men — 6-foot-7 Ervin Sotto, 6-foot-6 Marc Pingris and 6-foot-8 JR Reyes — to a combined 10 points output while scoring 12 points and grabbing five rebounds the last time out.

It would be a fitting send-off for Alvarez if he adds the MVP plum.

to his cabinet of trophies, but none can excites, if not satisfies him more than giving Fash Liquid Detergent its second straight championship.

Nothing beats that.