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| Red Bull Barako not disbanding |
| Written by staff | ||
| Saturday, 24 January 2009 07:05 | ||
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 Very recently, Red Bull team manager Andy Jao made a very important announcement to the Barako.He told them that, contrary to reports, the George Chua franchise will stay active in the PBA indefinitely. “Don’t believe rumors that we’re disbanding, maglalaro pa tayo (We’ll still compete).” Andy said the assurance came from no less than team owner George Chua, who also disclosed his plan to reinforce the lineup with two more players—a point guard and a big man. Andy also announced that the Barako would resume regular practice sessions at the RFM gym this week. In the absence of a head coach, Yeng’s assistant, Gee Abanilla, was assigned to take charge of the workouts. Gee fills in the shoes of Yeng while former Talk ‘N Text assistant coach Ariel Vanguardia takes over the old chores of Gee. The setup will stay this way, according to Andy, until a head coach and his staff are formally appointed. * * * Under this transition setup, which could become permanent, for all we know, the Barako had their first practice session minus Yeng last Monday. There were no tryouts in that initial session, according to Andy, but he expects a number of aspirants to show up in succeeding sessions. Andy said he has invited Reed Juntilla, a former Barako who went AWOL, and free agent Angelus Raymundo to join their workouts. “Angelus is not related to Kerby, but strangely he could pass off for a brother,” said Andy. “A younger and thinner version of the Purefoods cager, Angelus has features identical to those of Kerby, particularly the nose. Both are of the same height. Angelus is about 6-foot-6. He’s from the University of the East and was apparently drafted into the PBA, although he dropped out of sight after that. He reappeared recently to play for the Quezon team in the Liga Pilipinas.” Andy said he’s willing to give Juntilla another chance. The whole team was present during last Monday’s roll call: Leo Najorda, Carlo Sharma, Mike Hrabak, Mike Holper, Larry Rodriguez, Gabby Espinas, Warren Ybanez, Magnum Membrere, Jojo Duncil, Paolo Hubalde and Jeff Chan. * * * Speaking as an expert basketball analyst and not as Barako manager that he is, Andy said prospects are not really that bleak for his team. “So long as we get a good import and two more players that we need, we will give any other team in the league a good fight,” he said. “It was only in this conference that we failed to dish out a respectable performance. We made it to the semis in both conferences the last two seasons, winning the Fiesta Conference title in 2005 and 2006. “It’s not as if we’ve always been at the bottom of the ladder. On the contrary, the team has always played above expectations and seldom finished outside of the Final Four.” A quick glance at the PBA Annual’s records confirms Andy’s claim. In addition to three titles, (2005-06 Fiesta Cup, 2001 and 2002 Commissioner’s Cup), Red Bull had championship appearances in the 2005-06 Philippine Cup, and the 2004-05 Transition Fiesta Conference. “I’ve been looking for an import since December,” Andy said. “You know it’s hard to get a good one this time of the year because most of them are tied up either in the European or Asian leagues. “Karamihan ng napipili nila (Most of those they are eyeing are) available pa ng mga April, that’s why they have to settle for less-talented imports to fill up the gap until their choice arrives.” Red Bull’s import last season was 7-2 Mexican Adam Parada. * * * “As you can see, the show goes on for Red Bull,” said Barako alternate governor Raffy Casyao. “George Chua is a fighter, not a quitter. We’re in the process of rebuilding.” Yes, the team will have to sign up a new head coach soon. They’ve not decided yet, though, who from among their short-list of prospects, should fill the slot vacated by Yeng. Leo Isaac, Leo Austria, Gee Abanilla, or Norman Black? |
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| Last Updated on Saturday, 24 January 2009 07:18 |
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