Honeymoon over, back to work for Alaska

MANILA, Philippines - Alaska CEO Fred Uytengsu said the other day the PBA Governors Cup starting Aug. 14 will be a pressure-packed sprint with all 10 teams battling for the top four spots at the end of the single round eliminations to enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.

“The honeymoon is over, it’s back to work,” said Uytengsu referring to the long break since the Aces wrapped up the Commissioner’s Cup crown last May 19. During the break, three Alaska players went to Beijing for alternative medical treatment and eight worked out at Joe Abunassar’s Impact camp in Las Vegas then the team got together in Santa Monica for a one-week celebration that included former import Sean Chambers.

Sonny Thoss, Calvin Abueva and Gabby Espinas were in Beijing for two weeks with Alaska team physician Dr. Facundo Sun and trainer Mike Braga. Treatment was non-invasive and included acupuncture. Thoss and Espinas nursed back pain while Abueva had a slight tear of the MCL (medial collateral ligament) in the left knee.

  Then, eight players reported for work with Abunassar in a 10-day camp. Uytengsu said coach Luigi Trillo made it a point to include reserves because in the coming third conference, bench will be a critical factor as games will be crammed in a tight schedule. The eight were Raffy Reyes, Paolo Bugia, Abueva, Aldrech Ramos, Espinas, Sam Eman, Dondon Hontiveros and R. J. Jazul. The climax was the US holiday. Alaska paid for the travel expenses of every player and a companion. The holiday was highlighted by visits to Disneyland and Universal Studios.

“This was a family trip,” said Uytengsu. “Throughout the season, we went by our slogan #we-not-me. It wasn’t easy winning the championship, it took a lot of hard work and sacrifice. Our import (Rob Dozier) was right for our team. I recall he had an offnight when he scored only six points but we still beat San Mig Coffee (in Game 4 of the semifinals). But that’s Rob. He did what he had to do, play defense, rebound, protect the basket. We trust and believe in each other. Take a guy like Cyrus Baguio who’s maturing nicely. Now, he’s not just our best one-on-one player, he’s also creating opportunities for others. Our team is evolving and we’re redefining our identity.”

Uytengsu said new import Wendell McKines joined the celebration. “He’s huge, built like a football player and reminds me of Herschel Walker,” said Uytengsu. “We played some volleyball during the trip and Wendell showed his athleticism even if I think he doesn’t play the sport. He watched when we gave our players their championship rings then told me, it’s going to be all business from here on.” McKines, 24, is from New Mexico State and averaged 17.3 points and 8.9 rebounds as an import in the French league this past season. He arrived here over the weekend. To get McKines in the groove, Trillo has called for twice a day practices.

Uytengsu said he invited players’ relatives to join team functions in the US. Jvee Casio’s parents came from Chicago and video director Franco Atienza was reunited with his parents after 20 years. Atienza, a nurse, had been denied a US visa four times but Alaska guaranteed his return this time.

“Sean came with his wife and two kids,” said Uytengsu. “It was his best experience with the team because he shared it with his family, something he never did when he played for us. He was disappointed that the PBA Honors Committee didn’t approve his nomination to be inducted in the Hall of Fame but on second thought, he felt the Alaska Filipino players like Johnny Abarrientos, Jojo Lastimosa and Bong Hawkins should be honored ahead. Nic (Belasco) and Tony (de la Cruz) spoke about how special this was after their long years in the PBA.”

Regarding the FIBA-Asia Championships that started yesterday, Uytengsu said hosting the event is a huge positive for the country in terms of sports tourism. “If we qualify for the FIBA World Cup, that’s a bonus,” he said. “Of course, I’m cheering for our team. But realistically, even if we qualify for the World Cup, how far can we go? China didn’t even win a single game at the last Olympics.”

Uytengsu clarified that he told the PBA Board the Alaska players would be available for the national team if the Aces were eliminated early in the Commissioner’s Cup. “But we went all the way and down to the wire,” he said. “Our players were hurting and they needed rest. In the end, it was their decision not to join Gilas. Coach Chot (Reyes) understood the situation and didn’t push it realizing how banged up Sonny and Calvin were.”

Uytengsu said while he supports Gilas’ campaign, he hopes the country could focus on sports where there is a reasonable chance of winning an Olympic medal. “I don’t think our first Olympic gold medal will come from basketball,” he said. “I think we should play to our strengths. Still, we’re proud of Gilas and what the SBP achieved in gaining the hosting rights. We’re all behind Gilas.”