Patriots tap 'Superman'

MANILA, Philippines - PBA Hall of Famer Billy Ray Bates finally got his wish to land a job in the country as he was tapped by the AirAsia Philippine Patriots as skills coach for the third ASEAN Basketball League firing off in January next year.

Patriots co-team owners Tony Boy Cojuangco and Mikee Romero have tasked the former high-scoring import to be the team’s skills coach, believing his knack for almost everything in the court. The owners also said that Bates’ experience will help inspire their young players to strive.

“He’s a legend in the PBA so we believe he can share and teach whatever he knows to our players,” said Romero, also the president of Harbour Centre. “He was my idol during his first PBA stint, so I want to help him start a new career.”

“Bates is a welcome addition to the team, his presence, I’m sure, will be a great source of inspiration to our young players,” said Cojuangco.

Bates was inducted to the PBA Hall of Fame during the league’s opener last Oct. 2 where he signified his interest to work as a coach in the country like fellow former PBA imports Norman Black (Ateneo) and Bobby Parks (San Miguel).

Bates is largely credited for helping Crispa win its second Grand Slam in 1983. He also helped power Ginebra to its first title in 1986 in tandem with another top import in Michael Hackett.

Known in the PBA community as the “Black Superman,” Bates once played for the Portland Trailblazers and the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA.

AirAsia Philippine Patriots team manager Eric Arejola said Bates signed his contract last Saturday.

Bates, who averaged 46 points during his Crispa days, starts work for the Patriots next week.

“He was really happy to be part of the team and he’s now looking forward for the start of our training,” said Arejola.

Financial details of Bates’ contract are not yet available but Arejola said it’s substantial enough – perhaps much bigger than what he’s getting from his current job in the US where he worked in a recycling company.