Rashad rings the Bell

It didn’t take long for former Boston University star Rashad Bell to prove he’s exactly what the doctor ordered for Talk ‘N’ Text coach Chot Reyes in the PBA Fiesta Conference.

Last Tuesday, Bell flew in from Budapest where he played for Albacomp-UPC Szekesfeherver in the Hungarian league and went straight to the gym to practice with the Tropang Texters. The next day, he was on the court against streaking Burger King, fresh from beating league-leading San Miguel Beer in overtime for its third win in a row.

Bell was actually Reyes’ first choice as TNT’s import but because of contractual commitments in Hungary, the 6-6 bomber from New York couldn’t sign up earlier. Reyes took in Tiras Wade instead. Wade averaged 30 points, 11.9 rebounds and 4.2 turnovers in nine games then was given his walking papers after engaging Reyes in a verbal tussle during the Texters’ 98-87 loss to San Miguel last April 29.

With Wade out of the picture, TNT played Barangay Ginebra importless and lost a 97-90 decision last May 1. Gary Forbes of Massachusetts (the school that produced Julius Erving) came in as a replacement but couldn’t power the Texters to victory in his debut, scoring 21 points in a 118-116 overtime loss to Rain Or Shine last May 6. Then, Forbes showed flashes of brilliance in netting 34 points as TNT edged Coca-Cola, 103-100, last May 9.

When Bell became available, Reyes had no hesitation to say goodbye to Forbes.

In the 2007 Fiesta Conference, Bell was a late replacement for Coca-Cola and averaged 38 points. He played only three games for the Tigers until they were eliminated but left a positive impression. Bell scored 39 points in a 105-103 loss to Red Bull, 45 in a 100-97 win over Purefoods and 30 in a 102-101 defeat to San Miguel.

Bell, 26, loosened up quickly against the Whoppers, knocking down long jumpers and putting the ball on the floor in strong drives to the rim. The quality of Bell’s game was evident. He didn’t force shots, chose his spots, passed the ball, battled for the rebound, set picks and played defense.

It took two overtimes to settle the outcome and in the end, TNT prevailed, 135-129. Bell buried a tough triple to force the second extension then sealed it with an undergoal stab to push the Texters on top, 133-129, time down to 12.1 seconds. He wound up with 35 points, 14 rebounds and five assists in an auspicious return for a second tour of PBA duty.

Bell’s showing immediately placed him in the upper bracket of the imports class with Ginebra’s David Noel, Burger King’s Shawn Daniels, Purefoods’ Marquin Chandler and Rain Or Shine’s Jai Lewis. If he could deliver monster numbers in a two-overtime game the day after landing from a 13-hour flight, imagine his effort with fresh legs.

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Tarlac provincial board member Carlito David said recently the abandonment of the graft-ridden sports complex started in Tibag, San Isidro, Tarlac City, in 1989 is a bitter story that will forever shame the province.

“We are aware of what happened in the past,” said David. “The TRP (Tarlac Recreational Park) will not suffer the same fate. Under Gov. (Victor) Yap’s leadership of vision and transparency, we are confident this project will be successful.”

There are garish reminders of the 1989 failure. A crumbling grandstand overlooking a shoddy track oval still stands. A half-finished multi-purpose stadium is now home to roaming carabaos, leading Tarlac historian Ver Buan to call the project “a white carabao” instead of “a white elephant.”

The 60-hectare TRP site in San Juan de Valdez, San Jose town, sits on an elevated plane 100 meters above sea level and the air is cool in the afternoon, conducive for athletes to perform at their peak. About 35 hectares were set aside for use in sporting events.

PAGCOR chairman Ephraim Genuino and Secretary of Education Jesli Lapus attended the opening rites of the Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association (CLRAA) meet at the TRP last March and were impressed with the facilities. Tarlac – home province of former world junior lightweight boxing champion Joselito Rivera, billiards star Django Bustamante, Asian Games equestrian gold medalist Mikee Cojuangco and pro cager Niño Canaleta – is clearly on the right track in promoting sports.

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Retired San Francisco police officer Joe Robles, the last registered manager of two-time world boxing champion Luisito Espinosa, is presently in town with visiting OFWs to assist healing priest Fr. Fernando Suarez in his ministry at Montemaria in Batangas.

“I’ve lost touch with Louie but I’m told he’s now employed by Costco,” said Robles. “I don’t know where he lives. Someone mentioned he lives three months at a time with friends. He’s still very much in love with his wife Mariecherie who now lives in Las Vegas , working for a hotel. Their children are in Manila with Mariecherie’s mother. Louie was one of the Philippines’ greatest fighters. It’s not right that he lives this way without any assistance from a Philippine sports foundation or authority.”

Espinosa was in Manila last year to visit his family and friends as guest of the Elordes. He also came back to collect what he is owed for fighting Carlos Rios in Koronadal in 1997. Espinosa, whose US citizenship was facilitated by friends, including Robles, returned to the US without collecting a single centavo from former South Cotabato Gov. and Rep. Larry De Pedro who supposedly signed a promissory note to pay the debt.