Journeyman Bong Alvarez yesterday inked a one-conference contract with United States Basketball League (USBL) champion Pennsylvania Valleydawgs, paving the way for the first pure-bred Filipino to strut his stuff in the US pro ball circuit.
And Alvarez has Sen. Robert Jaworski to thank for.
After seeing Alvarez try out for the FedEx Express basketball team, Sen. Jaworski was impressed and made the initiative of talking to FedEx management about the possibility of him rekindling his love affair with basketball.
FedEx team manager Lito Alvarez suggested the next best thing — why not a stint with the Valleydawgs, with whom the Express have a long-standing agreement for the transfer of basketball technology through coaches and players.
Sen. Jaworski and Alvarez immediately arranged the tryout with Valleydawgs manager Sam Unera, who liked what he saw.
"This is something we should all be proud of. Noong time ni Bong sa akin with Ginebra, wala naman kaming naging problema. I think it’s just a matter of handling him properly," said Jaworski. "I know Bong will carry the Philippine flag well and make us all proud."
Unera agreed. "He (Bong) fits the Valleydawgs’ razzle-dazzle style to a T. Talagang lumilipad."
Alvarez stands to earn $8,000 a month, excluding bonuses and other perks with his three-and-a-half month stint with the Valleydawgs, meaning his salary can even match the maximum paycheck of P350,000 that is allowed in the PBA.
"But we’re not talking of money here. Depending on his performance, I can give him as much as $30,000 if he excels," said Unera, who expects there won’t be a problem with Alvarez’ attitude, primarily because his coach will be NBA legend Darryl Dawkins.
"Iba ang style ni Mr. Dawkins. Kapag nakikita niya na ayaw mong humataw, hindi ka niya ibe-bench. Lalu ka niya paglalaruin, so that either you play your best, or make a fool of yourself," said Unera.
That, basically, was the formula that made Alvarez a star with Ginebra under Sen. Jaworski.
Unera said that the USBL is a league where former basketball stars are noticed by NBA scouts.
"My player Olden Polynice is now with the Los Angeles Clippers because he did very well in the USBL. As for Bong, this is his last chance to show his worth, and I know he will not waste it."