Moran better field Rich next time — Monico

A former Green Archer to the rescue of a former Blue Eagle?

Well, that seems to be the case with Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella who criticized American Shell coach John Moran for benching Rich Alvarez, this year’s top pick, in the opener of the PBA’s 30th season last Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Puentevella, a member of the La Salle team that faced–but lost–to Mapua in the 1965 NCAA Finals, said Moran should have given Alvarez even a little time on the court if the American really wanted the former Ateneo player to blend well with the team.

With Alvarez sitting on the bench, at times just scratching his head and stretching his long legs, Shell lost to Ginebra, 90-81.

Moran defended his action by saying Alvarez has yet to blend well with the team and learn his system, having played for the PBL before joining Shell practices only two weeks before the season opener.

"How long does it take a good player to blend with a team? Rich Alvarez is being payed good money to play the game and not to sit on the bench," Puentevella told The STAR yesterday.

"There seems to be no justification benching a two-time MVP in the UAAP while giving Ronald Tubid (another UAAP product from UE) ample playing time. Alvarez doesn’t need the bench to learn Moran’s system. And if it’s showtime for Moran, then he should bring it somewhere else," added the Bacolod lawmaker.

Puentevella said Moran should have first studied Filipino culture before calling the shots in the PBA, which has a large following.

"This is not the way to treat a Filipino player. Maybe he doesn’t know our culture. Alvarez may say it’s fine with him but I’m sure it hurt being benched on your first game as a pro, and as the top rookie pick," Puentevella added.

He said Moran, who took over the Shell coaching chores from Perry Ronquillo, must make up for his unpopular decision by fielding Alvarez in Shell’s next game against Talk N Text on Sunday.

"Because if he doesn’t, then Shell should fire him. And if they don’t, then they better trade Alvarez to other teams that would be so ecstatic to have him in their fold.

"Ironically, this sentiment is coming from a former La Salle player. The first game is forgivable. But if he does it again to Alvarez, then Moran becomes an ugly American," Puentevella said.