No plan to move Omar

MANILA, Philippines - Talk ‘N’ Text center Omar Samhan had a shaky start but a strong finish in his PBA Commissioner’s Cup debut against Meralco last Feb. 17 and coach Chot Reyes said yesterday there’s no reason to call for a replacement at the moment.

Samhan, 23, went 0-of-9 from the field to open the game on the wrong foot then settled down to wind up with 24 points and 20 rebounds in the Texters’ 102-96 win over the Bolts. He hit six of Talk ‘N’ Text’s 10 points in overtime and held Meralco import Jarrid Famous scoreless in extension.

“I think we can still get a lot of good from Omar,” said Reyes. “We’re happy with his performance. Right now, we’re focused on Omar as our import. Of course, our eyes are constantly open for what talent is out there. I know every team is making sure there’s a back-up plan in case of a need to change for whatever reason. I know teams are constantly looking at who’s available.”

Reyes admitted he was impressed by six-year NBA veteran Ike Diogu’s resume. “He recently got cut by the San Antonio Spurs,” said Reyes. “I’m not sure if he’s willing to play in this part of the world. I heard a Chinese team was trying to pick him up for the CBA playoffs on a short-term contract. I really haven’t followed his movements lately.” Diogu was in Meralco’s import wish list before he was inked by the Spurs.

Diogu, 28, was the Golden State Warriors’ first round pick and ninth overall in the 2005 NBA draft from Arizona State. His Nigerian parents emigrated to the US where he was born. Diogu suited up for Golden State, Indiana, Portland, Sacramento, the Los Angeles Clippers and San Antonio in a journeyman NBA career where he averaged six points in 225 total games. He once shot 27 points in a game for the Warriors. The 6-8, 250-pounder is now playing for the Xinjiang Flying Tigers in the Chinese league playoffs.  Diogu is reportedly contracted to play in Puerto Rico after his brief China stint but may consider other options when the Flying Tigers end their season. Diogu won’t be available until Wednesday at the earliest but if the Flying Tigers survive the ongoing quarterfinals against Dong Guan and advance to the semifinals and finals, it may be too late for any PBA team to even make him an offer.

Samhan, known for his trash-talking and old-school style, holds the St. Mary’s varsity record for most field goals made with 736, five more than David Vann’s previous mark set in 1978-82. He powered the Gaels to the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2009-10, hitting 31-of-49 field goals in three playoff games. Samhan, who is of Egyptian descent, averaged 21.3 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.9 blocked shots as a senior that year. St. Mary’s, a Christian Brothers school in Moraga, California, with less than 5,000 students, finished with a 28-6 record under coach Randy Bennett. Samhan, whose nickname “Beast” is tattooed on the inside of his lip, scored 32 points as he led No. 10 St. Mary’s to a 75-68 upset over No. 2 Villanova to make it to the Sweet 16. St. Mary’s was eventually eliminated by Baylor in a 72-49 decision with Samhan shooting a lowly 1-of-8 in the first half and ending with 15 points and nine rebounds.

The win over Villanova was a highlight in Samhan’s career. Villanova coach Jay Wright appeared to underestimate Samhan. “I’m a slow white guy and I’m overweight,” said the 6-11, 260-pound Samhan. “So you don’t respect me. But after I kill you in the first half, what are you waiting for? I don’t know what he (Wright) wanted, maybe, he wanted me to score 40 points?”

The outspoken Samhan once lamented about how in today’s game, big guys like to shoot from outside. “I hate these guys who run around, shooting threes,” said Samhan, a big Taylor Swift fan. “You’re 6-11, go get your butt in there. I take pride in being a big man who plays with my back to the basket. It’s a lost art.”

Reyes confirmed he’s turning over the Talk ‘N’ Text coaching reins to Norman Black when the season ends. “Is the Grand Slam a goal?” said Reyes. “Of course, we’re the only team with the chance to win it this year because we won the first conference. But we’re not looking that far ahead. The second conference is tough because it’s a short conference and every game counts. We’re just concentrated on winning the conference, that’s all.”

Reyes said he’s leaving the Texters in good hands. “Norman knows what we’re doing as he’s been with us the last couple of years,” he said. “Norman’s our defensive and big man skills coach.  It’ll be an easy transition for Norman and the players because we’ve all been together for a while. He’s well-entrenched. He knows our guys and I think our nucleus will remain very competitive for some more years. Before the season began, it was already part of the plan for Norman to step in. Even when I’m gone, Talk ‘N’ Text will stay strong and continue to be a championship contender.”