MANILA, Philippines - Former PBA commissioner Noli Eala is returning to the league which he served for four years up to 2007 but his comeback will hardly be nostalgic. He is expected to sit on the Smart-Gilas bench beside Serbian coach Rajko Toroman when the national team plays 20 games in the PBA Philippine Cup that starts Oct. 11.Only 10 of Gilas’ games will be counted in the standings of PBA teams as the balance of the outings is scheduled after the eliminations. Smart-Gilas makes its PBA debut against Burger King to open a triplebill at the Cuneta Astrodome on Oct. 16.
Eala said yesterday the Smart-Gilas lineup will include Japeth Aguilar but if the PBA decides to bar him from playing, the former Western Kentucky center will comply and sit out the action.
However, Aguilar is expected to suit up for Smart-Gilas when the squad takes on the Powerade PBA selection, coached by Yeng Guiao, in a benefit game for typhoon victims at the Araneta Coliseum tomorrow.
Aguilar, 22, was picked first overall by Burger King in the PBA draft last August but has opted to play for Smart-Gilas in a late change of mind. The decision has been denounced by the PBA which is considering a lifetime ban on Aguilar.
Last week, Aguilar saw action for Smart-Gilas in the team’s 70-67 win over the Singapore Slingers in an exhibition game at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. He scored 14 points. The other day, Aguilar hit Smart-Gilas’ first 10 points in a practice game against Talk ‘N’ Text at the Moro Lorenzo Gym. The game was abbreviated with Smart-Gilas on top, 53-43.
“Coach Rajko thinks Japeth has the best basketball body in the Philippines today,” said Eala. “He’s coming along and his father (PBA veteran Peter who is based in Chicago) is happy with his development. Japeth is getting minutes with Smart-Gilas and that’s crucial in hastening his progress.”
Eala said he’s ambivalent about Smart-Gilas’ participation as a guest entry in the PBA.
“It’s great for Smart and an excellent opportunity for the players to mature,” he said. “But I’m worried about injuries. I’m also concerned about our players picking up habits, particularly in adjusting to calls, that will be a handicap in FIBA competitions. Still, I’m excited for the team and I know we’ll play well. Coach Rajko definitely wants to win.”
Eala said he’s not sure if Ateneo star Rabeh Al-Hussaini will be in the Smart-Gilas roster. He will meet with Al-Hussaini’s confidants tomorrow to iron out details of his possible recruitment. Al-Hussaini is reportedly asking for an out clause to play in the PBA if he signs a contract with Smart-Gilas. Two other prospects are 6-10 Jumar Fajardo of the University of Cebu and UE hotshot Paul Lee.
“The SBP has sent a formal letter to the University of Cebu requesting for Jumar’s release to the national team but we haven’t received a reply,” Eala said. “As for Paul, he was one of only four or five UAAP players who showed up for Smart-Gilas’ first tryouts at Xavier School in November last year. He practiced with us twice or thrice then didn’t come back. We’ve talked with (UE coach) Lawrence (Chongson) about Paul. Coach Rajko is impressed with him.”
Eala said FEU cagers Aldrech Ramos and J. R. Cawaling are back with the team along with UAAP MVP Dylan Ababou of UST. FEU’s Mark Barroca has also rejoined Smart-Gilas. Toroman is now waiting for Letran’s Rey Guevara and R. J. Jazul and 6-11 Greg Slaughter to report for duty.
Two Fil-Aussies - 6-4 Sep Salinas and 6-foot Matt Schmechtig - were recently in Manila for a week to try out for Smart-Gilas. They were recommended by Ateneo athletic director Ricky Palou and Josh Rivera. The pair played in the game against Singapore.
“Sep is a bulkier version of Chip Engelland while Matt is a tough defender,” said Eala. “They’ve returned to Perth and we’ll send them an evaluation next week. They’re welcome to practice with us but at the moment, we are not in a position to make commitments.”
Eala said the team is keeping a slot open for Marshall University Fil-Am guard Chris Lutz who is joining the team after playing out his US NCAA eligibility in March.
Eala said the PBA’s new rules are in line with adjustments in FIBA games. “FIBA is extending its three-point line but not as far as the PBA which is moving to the NBA distance,” said Eala. “FIBA is doing away with the trapezoidal lane and is adopting the no-flop rule, like the PBA. It looks like FIBA is following the NBA’s direction.”
As for Barroca’s enlistment, Eala said he was welcomed by his former FEU teammates with Smart-Gilas.
“Last Wednesday, coach Rajko, FEU athletic director Mark Molina and I had lunch with J. R. and Aldrech to talk about Mark’s return with us,” said Eala. “Of course, they felt let down particularly as if FEU had beaten Ateneo in that critical game, Aldrech could’ve been the UAAP MVP. But our team is solid. Chris Tiu, as captain, has done a great job of keeping the team together. Barroca is, in fact, the co-captain.”
Eala said some of the returning college players are relearning Toroman’s system. “Barroca, for instance, played off-guard in the UAAP while with coach Rajko, he’s strictly a point guard. He needs the ball - without the ball, he’s just not Barroca. Dylan played power forward with UST but he’s a small forward with us. J. R. and Alrech are also readjusting to their roles. We’re hoping the team jells in time for the PBA conference.”
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