All about sacrifice

In bringing the curtains down on the PBA season last Friday, commissioner Noli Eala spoke of not breaking records but of breaking barriers.

Eala referred to the league’s sacrifice in lending its marquee players to the national team. After a record-breaking Philippine Cup where crowds of over 10,000 would fill up the stands on a regular basis, attendance dropped in the just-concluded Fiesta Cup with the stars taking a leave of absence from their mother clubs.

But like the players themselves, the PBA is only too willing to sacrifice for flag and country.

Eala said he knows what national cagers Kelly Williams, Mark Caguioa and Asi Taulava are going through to prepare for the FIBA-Asia Olympic qualifiers in Tokushima on July 28-Aug. 5.

Williams, for instance, postponed a long-overdue reunion with his family in Michigan. He was called to try out for the national squad after Sta. Lucia Realty was eliminated in the Fiesta Conference.

“I talked to Kelly about this (sacrifice) personally,” said Eala. “I know Mark and Asi also made sacrifices like everyone else.”

Caguioa sacrificed being with Fil-Aussie girlfriend Lauren, who went back to Australia, and dedicated himself to the national team. Mark the Spark and Danny Seigle have emerged as the squad’s 1-2 scoring punch.

Taulava went on a serious weight-reduction program and lost 30 pounds to be fit for the FIBA-Asia wars. That, too, was a major personal sacrifice on his part.

“The fans will appreciate even more our players and their PBA teams, knowing what they’ve given up and what they’re willing to sacrifice for our Olympic dream,” said Eala. “The PBA itself and the teams also sacrificed a lot, accepting that somehow our revenues and attendance would suffer without our marquee players. I really hope we get more Pinoys to support our crusade.”

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Here are text messages from several national cagers on what they’re giving up for the country.

Jimmy Alapag – ”I think the biggest sacrifice is just the time away from family and friends because of the hectic schedule of practices and games. But it’s all worth it because we have such a great opportunity to make the Olympics and bring the Philippines back to the elite class of Asia.”

As for settling down, Alapag said, “My relationship with L. J. (Moreno) is going well but we haven’t made any plans for a wedding.”

RenRen Ritualo – ”My sacrifice is the time off from our family and loved ones.”

Seigle – ”Because of the preparation for the national team, I wasn’t able to be there for my sister in the US who was diagnosed with cervical cancer earlier this year.”

Dondon Hontiveros – ”I guess it’s the same with the other players. Not taking a break during the offseason. I could take a rest and stay away from basketball during breaks but I want to be part of it and continue to practice with the team. Then, my time with my son. That’s why I make sure I get to be with him when I’m in town. It’s hard being away from him. I’m blessed that the PBA and San Miguel management support us being away from our mother teams. I hope the people understand our sacrifices being away from our loved ones.”

Tony de la Cruz – ”My initial sacrifice was two years ago when we went to the Jones Cup and I missed the birth of my daughter Mary Jane. And now, as we leave for Japan, it is actually on my daughter’s birthday (turning two on July 25). But my wife (Julie), son (Marley, 4) and family understand it is because of a greater cause which is to go to the Olympics and to represent the country.”

De la Cruz said his wife is considering to try out for the Philippine women’s basketball team. “I already spoke with (SBP executive director) Patrick Gregorio and he’s excited,” said the Alaska stalwart.

Eric Menk – ”I’m just sacrificing my vacation. I’m supposed to be the best man in Rudy’s (Hatfield) wedding but I can’t now. But I’m thrilled to be a part of the Philippine team. The camaraderie is so much better than in 2002. I’m loving the experience and looking forward to the challenge in Japan.”

Gabe Norwood – ”I’ve sacrificed attending a family reunion, my girlfriend’s (Nicky) 21st birthday, my two younger brothers’ (Levi, 16, and Zaccariah, 11) baseball and basketball games and my younger sister’s (Brianna, 14) dance performance. I also miss my brother Jordan who’s 20.”

Norwood didn’t apply for the PBA draft next month as his dual citizenship papers are still being processed. He’ll be invited for sure to play on coach Junel Baculi’s squad representing the Philippines in the Southeast Asian Games in December. Norwood will likely suit up in the PBL until he’s eligible for the PBA draft next year.

Ranidel de Ocampo – ”For me, this is my dream to play on the national team and in the Olympics. We sacrifice a lot, like training twice a day. We can’t play and help our mother teams and get some awards. I’ve been working hard the last five months. My contract is expiring and I get homesick when I’m abroad with the team. Tanong ng tanong ang anak ko bakit daw ako punta ng punta sa airport. Love is sacrifice. I love the Philippines and I’ll sacrifice everything for our country.”

Mick Pennisi – ”The biggest day I missed was my wife Jenn’s capping for her third year of nursing because she has sacrificed a lot for our family and I couldn’t make it for her big day. And now, every time my kids see me walking out of our house with a bag, they automatically ask how many days will I be going for even though I’m only going to practice for three hours. In Japan, we’re going to need all the help, luck and prayers from everyone.”

By the way, Kerby Raymundo said to add to his list of sacrifices in last Friday’s column, he misses his Purefoods coaches, too. He said that earlier but I failed to include it in the write-up.

As for his soon-to-be-born son’s name, Raymundo said he and wife Christina are now making a list of possibilities. He’ll include Karl Gilbert as an option. Raymundo’s two sons are both KGs (Kevin Garnett and King Gabriel). So his third boy will likely be KG, too. Keith Gerald is another option.