San Beda pulls out Menor, Escobal from SEAG five

Reigning NCAA back-to-back champion San Beda yesterday pulled out Rogemar Menor and Pong Escobal from the national team competing in the Southeast Asian Games slated Dec. 6-16 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

Albert Almendralejo, San Beda’s NCAA board representative, announced that Menor and Escobal would no longer be joining the RP team, citing their studies as the reason for the school’s decision to recall the two talented cagers.

“It is part of the basketball program of San Beda that academics should go hand in hand with basketball, in cases there is a conflict it is readily resolved in favor of the academic standing of the player,” said Almendralejo in a statement.

Almendralejo explained that the Lions, who will be leaving late this month for a weeklong vacation in San Francisco, California as part of their bonus for topping Season 83, are also committed to play in the Champions League, a tournament where the best of the country’s school teams are competing.

“Participating in the RP team mean they will be out four days a week and that will imperil their academics. We want all our players to graduate and be productive members of the society,” Almendralejo added.

Patrick Gregorio, executive director of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, said they are doing their best to tap players with one goal in mind – win the SEA Games gold medal.

“We are analyzing all factors affecting these players like health, education and personal concerns to make sure we get the best focused 12 national players,” Gregorio told The STAR.

The withdrawal of Menor, the 2007 NCAA Finals MVP, and Escobal would leave a big hole for Team RP with Fil-Am Gabe Norwood uncertain of playing for the squad.

RP team coach Junel Baculi had refused to comment on the two cagers’ pullout although there were reports that the coaching staff are saddened by San Beda’s decision to recall its players.