No panic over PBA refs’ calls

MANILA, Philippines – PBA deputy commissioner Rickie Santos said the other day there’s no reason to panic over a report that a recent tune-up game was cancelled after referees called 12 traveling violations in the first period and assured fans of improved officiating the rest of the season.

Rain Or Shine coach Yeng Guiao, infuriated by the calls, packed up with Mahindra ahead at the end of the first quarter but wasn’t sanctioned by the PBA. “It’s up to the teams whether they want to continue playing or not,” said Santos. “The teams ask us to provide referees for tune-up games so it’s their prerogative to cancel or proceed. Sanctions, however, will be made if a player engages in unsportsmanlike behavior as was the case with Ivan Johnson during a Talk ‘N’ Text practice game against Blackwater.”

Santos said the incident was reported to commissioner Chito Narvasa. “Nothing to be alarmed about,” he said. “We’re tightening up on traveling calls in line with FIBA standards. No more small steps which were let go in the past. We actually started it in the Philippine Cup. We want to be consistent in making the right calls. It’s how they call it in FIBA so we don’t want our players to get used to a different approach.”

Santos said the original cast of 16 referees is back in circulation for the Commissioner’s Cup. Suspended referees were reinstated in the rotation. The system of assigning four referees for a game continues with three on the floor at any given time and anyone may be substituted by Narvasa in the course of a contest.

Mahindra team manager Eric Pineda said the Enforcers import Augustus Gilchrist appears to be the right fit for the squad. Mahindra is the only team allowed to recruit an import of unlimited height this conference. The ceiling for other imports is 6-9. Gilchrist is 6-10. “He can shoot and he’s coachable,” said Pineda. “He’s used to playing forward so he’s adjusting as a center. In the last Commissioner’s Cup, our import P. J. Ramos could score but couldn’t defend. In the Governors Cup, our import Hamady N’Diaye could defend but couldn’t score. Gilchrist can do both.”

Pineda said hoops guru Joe Lipa is taking a more active role with the team as a skills coach although he won’t be sitting on the bench during games. Chito Victolero, subbing for head coach Manny Pacquiao, works well with Lipa, said Pineda. “Joe wants to take advantage of our youth so his idea is to make us a running team with a lot of passing and minimal dribbling,” he said. “We’re excited about this conference. We’re looking forward to a solid performance from Mike (DiGregorio) who played three games for us in the Philippine Cup. We didn’t activate him at first. In one of our first practices, Mike wasn’t impressive and when we called his attention to correct mistakes, he put on a face. So I told him we’re pointing out his mistakes to make him better, not to put him down. Mike was determined to prove himself and when we gave him a chance, he delivered. In the beginning, we told him to focus on playing point. By his third game, he had the license to shoot and scored 19 points.”

Another rookie whom Pineda said may be given a break this conference is Mahindra’s third round draft pick Leo De Vera, a 6-2 Fil-Am guard from San Sebastian. De Vera, however, was not in the Enforcers’ active roster at the start of the Commissioner’s Cup.

Asked about the difference between managing Pacquiao in boxing and taking care of Mahindra, Pineda said the PBA is more consuming. “In boxing, you’re managing only one naughty boy but in basketball, you’re looking after 20 naughty boys,” chuckled Pineda who has been Pacquiao’s business manager for over 10 years. Pineda seems to be doing a good job in both sports.

The Commissioner’s Cup will witness the coming of Phoenix Petroleum which recently bought the Barako Bull franchise. Phoenix vice president for external affairs and business development Atty. Raymond Zorilla said yesterday team owner Dennis Uy has given coach Koy Banal a free hand in steering the Fuel Masters.

“No disruption in the system,” said Zorilla. “We believe the players and coaches are highly motivated. They’re out to prove we’re not a team of discards or that we’re a farm team of this or that franchise. We want the team to compete with the same philosophy and attitude as our company. Phoenix started 12 years ago. From zero market share, we’ve gone up to 7 or 8 with over 450 gas stations all over the country. We’re passionate about our business and we work hard. That’s the same passion and work ethic we expect from our team.”

Zorilla, a San Beda law graduate and an MBA degree holder from Ateneo, said in the Phoenix tradition, the Fuel Masters will be go-getters. “In 2011, we tried to get into the PBA but we lacked one vote,” he said. “The vote was 6 yes, 3 no and 1 abstention. We needed 7 votes to be accepted. But that was understandable because at the time, Petron was active as a team. Now, there is no impediment to our entry. We’re the only oil brand in the league so the vote was unanimous. Two weeks before we entered the PBA, we formed a D-League team with the core of FEU players. We didn’t expect we would be in the PBA this season. Now, we’ve got a team in the D-League and a team in the PBA.”

Zorilla said Phoenix will likely employ the Fuel Masters as endorsers. “Why not?” he said. “We’ve got players who would make very credible endorsers.” Among Phoenix’ popular stars are J. C. Intal, R. R. Garcia, Willy Wilson, Rodney Brondial, Emman Monfort and Josh Urbiztondo.