It was a blast

The inaugural episode of The Philippine STAR’s sports on-line talk show “Beyond The Game With The Dean” was a blast last Monday with over 25,500 views registered on The Philippine STAR and Pilipino Star Ngayon Facebook pages as guest stars Terrence Romeo, Scottie Thompson, Beau Belga, Jeron Teng and Kiefer Ravena shared insights, poked fun at each other and revealed secrets in an hour-long session that focused on the theme “The PBA: Season On The Brink.”

Viewers sent in questions which the PBA players readily answered. What came out clearly in the show was the players’ all-out support for the PBA Board of Governors and commissioner Willie Marcial in getting ready for the restart of training under strict safety protocols. The IATF recently allowed the PBA to resume training limited to five at a time each workout with no scrimmaging under GCQ. The five will be composed of four players and a trainer. Under MGCQ, participation will increase to 10.

Jeron and Beau sent video clips of their home conditioning. The clips were shown in the program. Kiefer, Scottie and Terrence said they’ve been staying in shape doing drills. Beau said he lifts weights in his garage which has been converted into a gym room and watches his diet. Jeron said he’s lucky he can practice shooting in a makeshift halfcourt at home with brother Jeric. They all can’t wait to get back on the court.

Jeron said he’ll miss the fans because if the PBA is allowed to restart the season under MGCQ, there will be no live audience. But it’s a situation the players will have to adjust to. At least, fans will catch all the action on TV. Beau joked Scottie that with no fans in the stands, Ginebra will lose its fabled sixth man and it’ll be a level playing field.

Asked if he preferred a season with two or three conferences, Scottie said three. Again, Beau interjected and joked why not six? Obviously, the more conferences, the more finals, the more bonuses. Kiefer described NLEX coach Yeng Guiao as extremely attentive to details and learned a lot from him during the FIBA World Cup last year and continues to learn from him with the Road Warriors. Kiefer said his choices for the three greatest PBA players of all time are June Mar Fajardo whom he called a game changer, Ramon Fernandez and Jimmy Alapag.

Beau said what irks him is when a defender pulls his jersey, more than if he’s submarined or a referee misses a call. Beau said he’s never a victim of “sahod” because he doesn’t jump anyway, drawing laughter from everybody.

Terrence talked about his Instagram contest TR Moves where he gave away prizes to those who sent in videos showing handles imitating his routine. It was his way of giving back to fans and encouraging them to hone their skills. Over 2,000 fans joined his two-part contest. He said PBA point guards are excellent ballhandlers, naming Kiefer and Roi Sumang among them. Terrence described San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria as “mabait.” In a revelation, he said his foreign lineage comes from his half-Italian father.

Scottie said during the lockdown, a barber would come over to his house while his Thompson’s Sports Hair Shops were closed. He called coach Tim Cone the GOAT, the greatest of all time and said his foreign surname comes from his great grandfather who was African-American. Scottie said Ginebra will be ready to battle when the season re-opens and gave his thumbs-up to rookies Jerrick Balanza, Arvin Tolentino and Kent Salado whom he expects to contribute significantly.

Kiefer said NLEX rookie Mike Ayonayon will play a big role with the Road Warriors. He said Ayonayon is an experienced rookie with MPBL creds and actually a year older than him. Beau said Rain or Shine’s rookies Adrian Wong, Prince Rivero, Vince Tolentino and Clint Doliguez are a good fit in coach Caloy Garcia’s system. His one-word description for Garcia was “magaling.” If they were in the NBA, Kiefer, Jeron and Scottie said their ideal teammate would be Dallas’ Luka Doncic who’s a do-it-all player.  Kiefer said “angas” is often misinterpreted to be “mayabang” but it’s only about wanting to win and playing hard which is in every PBA player’s DNA.

Thanks to everyone who watched the show, to Philippine Star management (president/CEO Miguel Belmonte, executive vice president Lucien Dy Tioco and vice president for operations Tammy Mendoza) for the all-out support, to sponsors San Miguel Corp. and Smart Communications, to Star account supervisor Mike Maneze for conceptualizing “Beyond The Game,” to Star strategic sales and marketing manager Crizza Dealino Kaw, to the Star’s Mark Cunanan, Jam Cabiles and Ryo Magsino, to Jester of Olern, to Cristina Ngkaion for the coordination and to our guest stars. Can’t wait for the next episode on July 27 to go “Beyond The Game.”