No import for Aussie tour

It’s not likely that the Smart-Gilas national basketball squad will play in Australia with a naturalization candidate. That’s the word from team manager Frankie Lim who said the other day he’s still negotiating to sign up either Dwayne Jones or Brian Butch as Gilas’ “import.”

“I’m still trying to get hold of Jones’ agent,” said Lim. “Butch is our second option. He’s a four-guy who has a good touch from medium range.”

Gilas is set to leave March 12 to play at least five games against Australian selections in Sydney and Canberra. Then, the team will depart for Serbia on March 28 to play seven games.

Jones has played for Boston, Cleveland and Charlotte in the NBA. He teamed with current NBA guards Jameer Nelson and Delonte West to power St. Joseph’s University to a 30-2 record in 2004 and was the first player from Norman Black’s alma mater to register a triple double in nearly 20 years.

Butch, nicknamed the “Polar Bear,” is averaging 17.5 points, 10.6 rebounds and 33 minutes for the Bakersfield Jam in the NBA Developmental League this season. He was the MVP of the recent D-League All-Star Game, compiling 18 points and 13 rebounds in 21 minutes.

SBP executive director Noli Eala said Jones and Butch are coach Rajko Toroman’s personal picks.

As for Fil-Am guard Chris Lutz, Eala mentioned that the Marshall University deadshot will skip the Australia and Serbia tours to play out his varsity eligibility in the NCAA. “He is committed to join Gilas right after the playoffs,” continued Eala. “He will definitely play for Gilas during the coming US and Canada tours.”

Eala also said Bernie Atienza, Butch Antonio, Rico Meneses and Joey Bautista continue to be involved in Gilas’ affairs.

“They weren’t actually completely relieved of their duties with the national team,” explained Eala. “Bernie, as SBP deputy executive director, is chairman of the national team management group. Butch is coach Rajko’s choice as special assistant and handles all national teams so he clearly remains an integral part of Gilas. Rico is chairman of the SBP marketing committee and still secures sponsorships for Gilas including, recently, deals with Unilab as official team sponsor, Omega Pain Killer as official liniment and GMA Pinoy TV as broadcast partner of the Mideast tour. Joey is head of the SBP media group and handles digital information dissemination and documentation for Gilas. They’re all still very much involved with Gilas’ marketing, media and coordination with international federations. The only real change is for these guys to help Gilas outside of Smart’s payroll. It’s part of what I agreed with SBP vice chairman Ricky Vargas as budget management. These Gilas volunteers are responsible for the chemistry, camaraderie and animo of the team. The players will attest to their contributions.”

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 Alaska’s top gunners Willie Miller and L.A. Tenorio combined for only 9-of-28 from the floor, a 32.1 percent clip, in Game 4 of the recent PBA Philippine Cup finals between Purefoods and the Aces. They were the only Aces in twin digits so you can imagine how poorly the rest shot.

Purefoods’ second unit provided a major lift with the bench contributing 25 points to Alaska’s 16. Rico Maierhofer was particularly productive as he delivered 12 points, six rebounds and two assists in 18 solid minutes. Alaska’s top bench scorer was Jeffrey Cariaso who shot only five points in eight quiet minutes. Throughout the playoffs, Tender Juicy Giants coach Ryan Gregorio showed confidence in his shock troopers who paid him back with interest – among them, Niño Canaleta, P.J. Simon, Paul Artadi, Don Allado and Jondan Salvador.

But in the clutch, Gregorio turned to his starters who were unstoppable – MVP James Yap, Roger Yap, Kerby Raymundo, Marc Pingris and Rafi Reavis. They fueled the surge that carried the Giants to an 86-76 win to clinch the series, 4-0, before over 16,000 fans at the Araneta Coliseum last Wednesday.

In a touching message, Gregorio’s father Martin sent this text to his son: “We’re all very proud of your extraordinary achievement, Noy (his nickname is Nonoy). God has been very kind to us. Always remember that as you take off, high, propelled by rare feats, you should always deeply bury your feet on the ground and remain humble. That’s the essence of greatness. Humility is an indispensable ingredient to immortality. Those who crow at every achievement eventually melt due to the heat of their own adversities. Glad you have constantly manifested this sterling virtue and your answers to interviews especially about Tim’s accomplishments. That makes your mom (Lucille) and me doubly happy. Our love always.”

Alaska fought a good fight and gave its all in trying to extend the best-of-seven duel but the Giants wouldn’t be denied. Gregorio had all the bases covered from matchups to substitution patterns to changing defenses to unpredictable combinations. It’s been eight conferences since Purefoods won a title so Gregorio had a long wait before picking up his third crown. Alaska’s last title came six conferences ago.

Top-seeded Alaska could’ve celebrated too early after sweeping Barangay Ginebra in the semifinals and looked like the Aces lost steam or their killer’s instinct against Purefoods. The Giants, in contrast, had nothing to lose and everything to gain as the No. 3 seed, playing without pressure and generating energy from every conceivable five Gregorio sent to the court.

To play the kind of merciless defense that Purefoods displayed, the Giants had to have depth – fresh legs moving in and out to leave the Aces gasping for breath. Pacing became a vital element in Gregorio’s shuffling and it reaped dividends as in every game of the series, the Giants were tougher, sturdier and stronger in the homestretch.

Still, Alaska has nothing to be ashamed of. It’s a team that knows how to lose with dignity.