Abuda now teaching the game

In his Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) heyday, Freddie Abuda was known as a hard-nosed defender. His job was to shackle the other team’s top scorer. It didn’t matter to Abuda if he had to shadow an import or a local. He played the game the best way he knew how and he never backed down from a challenge.

For 12 years, Abuda played in the PBA. He wasn’t an outstanding talent like an Alvin Patrimonio or a Danny Ildefonso but survived war after war because of his inspiring work ethic. Abuda worked his butt off game in, game out and coaches admired his ability to play through pain. He was gutsy, determined and disciplined.

Today, Abuda is 36 and retired. He helps out the San Beda College senior varsity basketball team and works closely with head coach Koy Banal and assistant Jude Roque. One of his tasks is teaching San Beda’s big guys how to screen off, defend the post and position for rebounds.

Abuda, in fact, is credited for elevating San Beda player Samuel Ekwe’s game. Ekwe is a Nigerian who was recommended by a Filipino priest to try out for the Red Lions team. "He wanted to become a priest at first," said Banal. "He has some relatives here. I’m not sure if one of his relatives is Job Nekemakolam of Ateneo."

The sad thing about Abuda is after undergoing six surgeries for a variety of injuries, he’s no longer able to play the game he loves. He can’t even jump to touch the ring. He doesn’t even play pick-up games. The only time he handles a ball is when he attends the San Beda practices.

Still and all, Abuda isn’t complaining. When he talks about his injuries, he has a smile on his face–the same smile he used to exasperate opponents on the floor after deflecting a pass or blocking a shot or unexpectedly hitting a jumpshot.

Abuda is not associated with any PBA team at the moment. He sometimes watches Purefoods games because Banal is an assistant coach with the Chunkee Giants.

Sure, he misses the action but Abuda says he’s happy that God blessed him with 12 years in the PBA and he couldn’t ask for more.

Abuda’s final appearance on the court came during the 2004 Fiesta Conference where he averaged 1.8 points, 2.2 rebounds and 7.5 minutes in only four games. He began his career with Purefoods in 1993, moved to San Miguel Beer the next year and joined Coca-Cola in 2002. Abuda played on four San Miguel and two Coca-Cola title squads.

Abuda never scored more than 18 points in a game and never averaged in double figures in a season. But he could’ve gone on playing if not for his injuries.

At the moment, Abuda is busy with the San Beda Basketball Camp that kicked off last May 4 at the St. Placid Sports Center in the Mendiola campus. The camp for boys and girls from 7 to 20 years old ends on Monday with the eighth and last session. The second to the last session is scheduled from 1 to 4 this afternoon.

Banal and San Beda’s legendary juniors coach Ato Badolato are conducting the sessions with Roque, Rene Baena, J. B. Sison, Leo Pujante, Britt Reroma, former Olympian Boni Carbonnel, Abuda, Chito Victolero and guest coaches from the PBA, PBL and UAAP.

Among the stars who learned the ropes from Badolato are Benjie Paras, Ren-Ren Ritualo, Boybits Victoria, Gerry Esplana, Ronnie Magsanoc, L. A. Tenorio, Magnum Membrere, Jayvee Casio, Jenkins Mesina and Arjun Cordero. Coaches who were taught by Badolato include Eric Altamirano, Dong Vergeire, Robert Sison, Nel Parado and Dindo Pumaren.

Although Abuda is not incapacitated, he still feels occasional pain when he walks–something he’ll endure the rest of his life as a memory of his playing days. Perhaps, Abuda could be a beneficiary when the PBA offers a health insurance and disability benefit package for its past and present players.

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Former Philippine Olympic Committee president Col. Julian Malonso phoned the other day to deliver the sad news of former Ateneo cager Mario Ballesteros’ recent death.

Malonso recalled that Ballesteros, Tiny Literal and Frankie Rabat formed the vaunted triangle defense that the Blue Eagles made famous in the NCAA. He said Ballesteros went up against the likes of Caloy Loyzaga, Boni Carbonnel, Jose Bangoy and Willie Sotelo. Ballesteros’ body was flown to Bacolod City for cremation.

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Here’s a letter from Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Neri Lim:

"Allow me to express my gratitude for giving Tagbilaran City the needed boost by featuring it in your piece ‘Big Bug To Rise Soon’ in your column of May 10. A lot of people rang me up, asking me in jest if I was already giving away tickets for the 2008 PBA All-Star Week. Just goes to show that ‘A Sporting Chance’ is being patronized by the who’s who in Philippine sports.

"I am truly flattered for giving the Big Bug the needed introduction. A venture such as this one will need not only the patronage of the people of Tagbilaran and Bohol but also of sports enthusiasts in other places.

"We are also grateful that the efforts we are pouring into sports development in our own little way are given prominence and appreciation. When everything is said and done, I believe these efforts will be rewarded with success for the sake of Tagbilaran, ‘The Little City With Big Dreams.’ ’’