MANILA, Philippines - Make no mistake about it, Willie Miller is out to prove a point in the coming PBA season opening Oct. 2. Moving from team to team, the 2006-07 MVP from Letran is now with Barako Bull, formerly Air 21, and coach Junel Baculi said yesterday the Thriller is back in form.
“Willie’s leading the team in practice,” said Baculi. “I don’t know where he gets his energy. He hasn’t played since June but it doesn’t show. I think he’s very motivated to prove he can still compete at a high level. Willie has something to prove. I expect Willie, Danny (Seigle) and Mick (Pennisi) to lead our team this season. We’re putting together a mix of veterans and young blood. We’re hoping to be deep in every position.”
Miller, 34, started out his career with Red Bull then jumped to Talk ‘N’ Text, Alaska and Barangay Ginebra before his trade to Air 21, now Barako Bull, last July. He hasn’t played a game for his fifth PBA team as the trade was arranged after Air 21 was eliminated in the Governors Cup.
Baculi said Barako got what it wanted in the recent draft, coming away with four picks, tying Alaska as the No. 1 hoarder. The Energy chose Allein Maliksi, Dylan Ababou, Ken Acibar and Paul Sorongan in that order.
Last week, Baculi rejoined the franchise as head coach with Bong Ramos sliding to the assistant position. He has beefed up the coaching staff by recruiting Leo Pujante and Paolo Rivero from National University where the multi-titled PBL coach is athletics director.
Although the team lost Dondon Hontiveros and Carlo Sharma in a recent trade with Petron, Baculi said he couldn’t complain as in return, the Energy got Sunday Salvacion and Pennisi.
“I think right now, we’ve got a competitive lineup but we’re still trying to make it stronger,” said Baculi. “One of the goals of management is to bring back that old Red Bull spirit. We’ve got Willie and Mick back from that team. We’re trying to find out if we can get Lordy (Tugade) but to make a trade, we have to go through a third party since Barako and Shopinas are sister teams.”
There is talk that Barako, Shopinas and B-Meg are working on a three-way deal involving Tugade, Don Allado, Elmer Espiritu and future draft picks. Barako governor Manny Alvarez said the deal is more a “wish” for Shopinas. “They (Shopinas) feel Elmer will fit into their team concept,” noted Alvarez. “However, not all parties have agreed to the deal as there are still things to work out.” Alvarez didn’t specify what the “things” are.
Baculi said most of the players in the roster will report for practice at the Reyes Gym this morning.
“Danny is arriving from the US and we expect him at practice on Thursday,” said Baculi. “Sunday asked for time off with his family to take a vacation in Mindanao but he’ll report for practice Monday (today). Same thing with Mick since they’re both coming off a hard finals. Mick is in town and will also report for practice Monday. Dorian (Pena) is undergoing therapy for his foot but should be ready to practice this week, too.”
Baculi said Maliksi and Ababou are both athletic wings who can play two and three. “They’re out young blood,” he added. “Danny will play three or four. Wynne (Arboleda) and Paul (Artadi) will play point guard. Willie and Leo (Avenido) will play two. Sunday will play three with Leo (Najorda). Mick and Dorian will play five. Our two other rookies Acibar and Sorongan are raw. We’re evaluating Patrick (Cabahug) and Marcy (Arellano) whose contracts have expired. Reed (Juntilla) is in Cebu and we don’t know if he’s coming back. We’re still looking for another big man to complete our lineup. John (Ferriols) is trying out with us.”
Baculi said Espiritu’s contract is live. In a meeting with management last Saturday night, he said the reported deal involving Espiritu wasn’t discussed.
“We plan to bring back the days when the Barako team was always a championship contender as Red Bull,” said Baculi. “With a mix of veterans with championship experience and a group of young and athletic players, we can either run or settle down for our half-court set. As they used to say about Red Bull, ang bumangga, giba – that will also be our slogan. We are thankful that management is providing full support.”