Leave of absence

Air21 coach Bo Perasol confirmed the other day he has taken a leave of absence from his chores with the Express while evaluating his future.

Perasol said his options are to continue coaching Air21, to go back to corporate work in a management capacity or to leave the company. If the PBA’s living legend Robert Jaworski joins Air21 as head coach or general manager of basketball operations, another option is to work under the Big J–which would be an honor, intimated Perasol.

At the moment, Perasol said he hasn’t made up his mind. Obviously, he’s waiting for Jaworski’s lead.

Perasol headed Air21’s Southern Luzon operations when he was tapped to help out the Express as an assistant coach. He was later elevated to head coach, taking over from Bong Ramos three years ago.

Perasol said he has discussed his options with Air21 owner Bert Lina and president Lito Alvarez.

“Actually, Mr. Lina and Mr. Alvarez both encouraged me to take a break for a while because my wife and I are trying to have a baby,” said Perasol. “We’ve been married 10 years now. They told me if the reason for leaving the company is personal like trying for a baby, then they won’t stop me. But any other reason won’t do. I’m really grateful to Mr. Lina and Mr. Alvarez for their support.”

Perasol said his wife Reina operates a pre-school called Haven of Learning in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, and another option is for him to focus on the business side of the nursery, now in its fifth year. Perasol is also enrolled in the MBA program at Ateneo.

Perasol said despite the recognition of leading Air21 to the Fiesta Conference finals, he found little fulfilment in the feat. Perhaps, a reason is the continuing talks for Jaworski to coach the team.

Perasol will call the shots for Air21 in two exhibition games in Singapore next week. The team is expected back in Manila on Sept. 21.

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Awoo Lacson texted yesterday to correct the misimpression that the Philippines beat Iran by a point because the host team rested its starters in the no-bearing game at the recent FIBA-Asia under-18 Youth Championships in Tehran.

“It’s not true that Iran only played nine players,” said Lacson who was the national squad’s statistician and liaison officer in the tournament. “They rested only one player because he was nursing a slight injury. Iran still played all their big men, including 6-11 Farman. Salmani averaged only eight points a game in the semifinals and finals. It was an excuse for the Serbian coach to use since he lost to Franz (Pumaren) in front of the homecrowd.

“You also have to consider that we didn’t have the best players on that team and we were one win away from entering the semis without Bringas, Buenafe and Salva. Isn’t that considered a good job on the team’s part? In a 16-team league, next to Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong, we were the smallest team.

Lacson declined to comment on the propriety of Pumaren leaving the team with two games left to coach La Salle against Ateneo at the Big Dome last Saturday.

“I’d rather focus on the accomplishment of the team,” he said. “Sure, we had disappointing games against Korea and Japan but we salvaged our pride by beating Iran in their home in front of their people. They were stunned. We were congratulated by the other countries.”

Here are other comments on yesterday’s column:

From Jack Huang of Cebu – “My hat’s off to a true gentleman and patriot. You put it clearly that when push comes to shove, the country comes first above all else. Hope your message will cascade to all Filipinos as this is the only way our country will move forward.”

From Fernando Aldeguer, father of former La Salle cager Dino and two-time UAAP juniors champion coach Boris: “Friends started to call telling me they agree 100% with your column. I, for one, fully agree with you.”

From Caloy Allado, father of former La Salle cager Don: “Very well-written column. Country first before anything else.”

From Anton Montinola of FEU: “Gutsy column. I’ve always respected you for calling a spade a spade. I salute you.”

From Martin Gregorio, former UP vice president and father of Patrick, Ryan and Allan: “If my memory still serves me right, UP lost to NU after winning the championship in 1986 because two stalwarts Paras and Magsanoc were pulled out from the team to represent the country in an international competition. I agree with you. No ifs and buts for the sake of flag and country.”