Menor-ity report

Howdy!

By the time you read this, Manny Pacquiao must be deep in training in the chilly mountains of Hollywood, sharpening his punches in preparation for his super slugfest with Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico on November 13.

No, the revered congressman from Sarangani did not email us; he is so damn busy. Instead, a prominent member of Team Pacquiao sent us a short letter asking what the future holds should the Pacman decide to kiss the sport goodbye and chase a new career either in showbiz or politics, or do some charity works.

Aside from this letter-sender, I will also discuss the problem of a former collegiate star who now wears the black hat in the PBA. Sure, he is trying to earn a living by being extra aggressive; but observers say that aggression doesn't always equate to success. It could also doom his career.

Another letter-sender, a matinee idol masquerading as a cold-blooded assassin, sought our help, fearing that the basketball competition in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games could be full of surprises despite the might of the talent-laden squad he is about to lead.

And finally, I'll tackle the query of two sports officials who appear to be clueless on what they are doing.

All these and more in this week's edition of Dear Brutus.

(As always, the answers are real, the questions were fabricated)

***

Dear Brutus,

If you're talking about talent, our team in this year's Southeast Asian Games could be one of the most talented teams ever assembled. Aside from having speed, shooting and a high level of basketball IQ needed to win the gold medal, this year's team is also beaming with potential since it is composed of the brightest collegiate players in the country.

Despite all of these, we hit some minor bumps along the way. We started out slow since the NCAA was stretched to full route, our naturalized player decided to play in China instead, and then some players backed out while others were simply cut because of the political affiliation of their handlers.

We really have some unsettled issues. And it seriously hurts our chances.

Now, my question is this: Is the SEA Games gold medal already in the bag? Will the lack of chemistry hunt us down the stretch, sending us crashing back to earth with a big-time embarrassment?

Please shed light.

Truly yours,

C.T. of Binondo

Dear C.T. of Binondo

Chris Tiu, the SEA Games is not a picnic. It isn't a stroll where all you have to do is to simply show up with at least seven players in uniform to play 40 minutes of basketball before plucking the gold medal.  

It wouldn't be easy, I'm telling you.

Okay, to give you a background, 22 years ago, in the SEA Games edition in Kuala Lumpur, a rag-tag squad that looks very similar to this year's Smart Sinag squad marched into battle oozing with swagger, believing in the possibility of winning it all.

Mentored by Derek Pumaren, the squad was composed future PBA stars like Vergel Meneses, Jun Limpot, Gerald Esplana, Vic Pablo, Gilbert Reyes, Larry Villanil, Gido Babilonia, Peter Jao, Johnedel Cardel, Dodon Postanes, Bonel Balingit and Carlito Mejos.

But basketball isn't won on paper.

With thousands of supporters rallying behind them, the hosts ambushed the Nationals with a 107-99 victory in the championship game, completely tarnishing the Filipinos' immaculate reputation in the Southeast Asian basketball arena.

See, anything's possible.

Chris, I know you skippered Smart Gilas Pilipinas in its quest for an elusive Olympic berth, and I know what you're capable of doing on the court. However, if we're prepared, other teams are preparing as well. Indonesia, bankrolled by millionaire Eric Tohir, is said to be preparing seriously as well as Malaysia, which will be bannered by ace players from its ABL team.

So if I were you, I will do my best and play my hearts out because a loss would be unaccepted.

Keep on balling,

Brutus

***

Dear Brutus,

What's the difference been being physical and being dirty? 

Regards,

O.M. of Mendiola, Manila

Dear O.M. of Mendiola, Manila,

Hey Ogie Menor, I was expecting you to ask that question following various incidents involving you and other personalities, including coach Yeng Guiao. I know not everybody is happy with the way you were playing lately and the PBA is seriously taking note.

Look Ogie, you are playing for Franz Pumaren, a coach that gave La Salle numerous titles through his trademark defense. The enforcer role you have been given was previously assumed and perfected by Willy Wilson, Ryan Arana and Carlo Sharma, putting them in a perfect niche by the time they turned pro. 

But you can't expect yourself to be like them. You can't play like a bodyguard all the time. These players are not as talented as you are and have no other way of surviving the league unless they play physical, rugged defense. You are talented. And you don't have to become a cheap-shot artist to make a name for yourself.

To answer your question: Yes, there's a difference between being physical and being dirty. But after seeing how you played against Roger Yap, Guiao and other players, I can say that you didn't play them physical, you played them dirty. You are dirty.

Explore your other talents, son. You can definitely do better than getting into Yap's nerves or screaming before the Rain or Shine bench after nailing a trey. It may be good for the league, but definitely bad for your career.

Always keep your elbows to yourself,

Brutus

***

Dear Brutus,

What's in store for me in the next five years – or after Manny Pacquiao hangs up his gloves?

Please enlighten,

F.R. of Hollywood, CA via e-mail.

Dear F.R. of Hollywood, CA

Freddie Roach, you are already Freddie Roach even before Manny Pacquiao became Manny Pacquiao. So why are you so insecure? Manny can do whatever he wants, but you will always be Freddie Roach, the 10-time Trainer of the Year and not simply the mentor responsible for Pacman's brilliance.

It's yourself who defined your career – not your prized protege.

Regards,

Brutus

***

Dear Brutus,

Could you please grade our readiness for the SEA Games?

Looking for compliment,

J.C. and R.M. of Manila

Dear J.C. and R.M.

You want me to be brutally frank about your SEA Games preparation, Julian Camacho and Romy Magat?

Okay, I'll give you a C.

Why?

Look, we prepared for the SEA Games like a family preparing for a picnic on a lazy Sunday morning. Yes, you came out with a criteria, but in the end, you also opened the floodgate for unqualified athletes to join the trip, bloating the delegation to more than 500 despite the limited budget of P30 million from the government.

And when Manny Pangilinan chipped in P10 million to finance his favored NSAs, you tooted your horns as if you have already solved the financial problem that you have created. Both of you are not yet ready to lead the country in major international competitions. Our team is not yet ready.

I hope our athletes would deliver and fulfill your promise of coming up with a fourth-place finish. Otherwise, more flak will come your way and you will go down as two of the biggest jokes in Philippine sports history.

Good luck,

Brutus