Betancourt high on Kai

The man who attempted to bring Johnny Abarrientos to the NBA in 1997 is out to make up for the miss 25 years later. Former Charlotte Hornets international scout Joe Betancourt is close to finalizing a deal that will seal ownership of an NBA franchise for a syndicate of Asian investors he organized. Betancourt will be a stockholder himself with a 10 percent ownership to become the team’s managing partner.

Basketball has always been Betancourt’s passion. He used to be the Saudi Arabia and Mexico national team coach. Betancourt won championships in Venezuela and in 1997, piloted the US team to the Jones Cup throne. It was in 1993 when Betancourt’s eyes were opened to Philippine hoops during a visit to play tune-ups with the Saudi Arabian team. “I love and respect Filipinos as they are positive, hard-working and manage to keep their wits despite dire circumstances,” he once said. “I’ve been to Asia quite often and I love to pass through one of my favorite places in the world, Makati.”

While Betancourt has made a fortune in investments through his participation in IPOs, he’s never lost his love for hoops. He owns mansions in different US cities and around the world but never fails to point out that a neighbor in his Beverly Hills home is Magic Johnson. Basketball keeps him grounded. Through the years, Betancourt has kept tabs on the progress of Philippine basketball, following the careers of June Mar Fajardo and coaches Chot Reyes and Tim Cone. He recently set up a Mexico-based foundation called Instituto del Basquetbol with stations in Chihuahua, Playa del Carmen, Monterrey and Puerto Vallarta. His vision is to expose youth and senior players to high-level coaches in camps. In November, Betancourt will bring coach Mike Krzyzewski to Mexico City to preside in a clinic through the Instituto. He has reached out to Reyes to hold a similar clinic when time allows.

For Betancourt, the goal of arranging the entry of the first Filipino homegrown player into the NBA is a dream waiting to become a reality. If the purchase of the NBA team pushes through, Betancourt said he’ll make it happen with Kai Sotto. “I was impressed with Kai in the games against Lebanon and Saudi Arabia,” said Betancourt. “He’s on our radar. I thought Chot did a good coaching job. Gilas played well and looked good in Beirut, a tough place to play in. I coached in Beirut a few games with Saudi Arabia. I liked Kai’s performance, enough to offer him a rookie contract if all goes well. If it works out like I know it will, I will make sure Kai has a spot on the roster. I’m serious about getting Kai on board. I think he has great potential.” Betancourt, who flies all over the world in a private jet, would’ve come to Manila for the recent Gilas game against Saudi Arabia but a business opportunity kept him in Riyadh.

Betancourt’s partners in the NBA team purchase are from India, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Aside from the NBA team, he’s bidding to buy the Miss Universe Pageant which is up for sale. “I know the Philippines loves beauty pageants so I thought I’d let you know I’m putting an offer for the Miss Universe Pageant,” he said. Basketball and beauty make an interesting recipe for success.