Acts of courage

The Philippine national basketball team, led by coach Chot Reyes, departs this morning for Miami to start training camp for the FIBA World Cup in Spain on Aug. 30-Sept. 14, leaving behind the nightmarish memory of the aborted “Last HOME Stand” that would’ve been a rousing send-off for Gilas with NBA players at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

There were several lessons to be learned from the “Last HOME Stand” disaster. But before unravelling the list, several acts of courage must be cited in relation to the fiasco. First, PLDT chairman/SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan boldly faced the public and apologized for the tragedy under the principle of command responsibility. MVP held himself accountable for the mess although it was clear to everyone that he had nothing to do with fouling up the event. That’s the mark of a true leader who doesn’t shirk from saying the buck stops with him. How many in government today will stand up to a crisis like MVP? It takes a special breed and guts to do what MVP did in the face of a public uproar.

Second, Reyes went out on the court at the Big Dome last Tuesday and spoke to a disappointed crowd. It was a huge risk that Reyes took in holding the microphone to talk about running drills instead of playing a game. He could’ve been showered with a chorus of boos. But Reyes stood his ground and stuck out his chin. Here was Reyes, who brought pride, glory and joy to the country for leading Gilas to the silver medal at the FIBA Asia Championships last year and will call the shots for the country in Spain, facing a potentially irate crowd to douse the expectation of a five-on-five game. That, too, took guts. How many in government will not back down from an unwinnable situation like Reyes?

Third, the Gilas players and the visitors, particularly coach John Lucas, did what they were asked to do last Tuesday. They did drills for over an hour and sweated it out, probably more than they’d ever done at a regular practice. It was an embarrassment, to be sure, because the players and visitors knew that fans wouldn’t pay up to P23,000 to watch figure-eight weaves and endline-to-endline sprints. Still, they did their best to entertain the fans. A highlight of the “action” was Damian Lillard’s multiple crossovers and shake-and-bake moves to escape L. A. Tenorio’s defense. How many in government will persevere like the Gilas players and the NBA visitors?

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And lastly, Larry Fonacier showed patriotism, self-sacrifice and courage in announcing his withdrawal from Gilas. He has given up his slot on the national team and won’t be leaving for Spain, a trip he rightfully earned. “I was really looking forward to it,” Fonacier told The Star. “But it’s better having someone healthier in my place.”

Reyes said Fonacier begged off from the Gilas pool because of foot and back issues that have bothered him the last two years. “It is only his great dedication that has prevented him from taking any time off,” said Reyes. “However, the rigors of playing almost non-stop in the PBA and with the national team the past three years have taken a toll, leaving Larry with no recourse but to accede to his doctor’s orders for complete rest and rehabilitation. We will definitely miss Larry’s quiet leadership and unyielding heart.” How many in government will sacrifice for the country like Fonacier?

 Added to the Gilas pool were Paul Lee, Jared Dillinger, Jay Washington and Andray Blatche to join Jimmy Alapag, Jayson Castro, Ranidel de Ocampo, Tenorio, Japeth Aguilar, JunMar Fajardo, Marc Pingris, Jeff Chan, Gabe Norwood, Beau Belga, Marcus Douthit and Gary David for the training camp in Miami and Spain.

As for the lessons to be learned, the organizing agency East West Private (EWP) should never take things for granted. EWP, a Cincinnati-based wealth and investment management firm with a strong sports portfolio, was applauded for bringing over nine NBA stars to play two exhibition games here in 2011 during the NBA lockout. It was also applauded for introducing Blatche to Gilas and paving the way for his naturalization to join the national team.

EWP CEO Patty Scott has visited Manila many times. For the “Last HOME Stand,” EWP was represented by COO Maria (Chao) Espaldon (sister of former Ateneo and national player Nonoy Chuatico) and investment partner Charles (Duke) Pryor. Renowned player agent Aaron Goodwin was also in town. Goodwin was once involved with LeBron James and Kevin Durant and now represents, among others, Lillard, DeMar DeRozan, Matt Barnes and Nick Johnson – all of whom came for the “Last HOME Stand.”

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Espaldon said the “Last HOME Stand” was conceived after the NBA sanction deadline to obtain clearance for players to engage in offseason activities. She attempted to negotiate approval beyond the deadline but the NBA works according to the rules not according to whom you know. Espaldon said she knows of charity events staged in the US with NBA players requiring no NBA clearance and thought the “Last HOME Stand” could qualify as a charity event that required no NBA clearance.

When the NBA wouldn’t agree to clear, EWP tried to rework the “Last HOME Stand” format. No five-on-five game, only drills. It was proposed for Gilas to do four 10-minute scrimmages with or without the visitors. That was thumbed down, too. No shootouts, no slam dunk competitions were allowed – even as they were previously advertised to happen. No matter how EWP tried to cut it, the NBA wouldn’t agree to a make-over. EWP shouldn’t have ignored the writing on the wall from the onset. The NBA just wouldn’t budge because it has obligations to the NBA Players Association under the Collective Bargaining Agreement.