Ateneo players withdraw from PBL stint
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 10/01/2008 6:49 PM
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Key players of newly-crowned UAAP champions Ateneo Blue Eagles were pulled out at the last minute from Philippine Basketball League’s Rookie Draft ceremonies Tuesday night to the dismay of the PBL’s Hapee Toothpaste officials.
A report posted on SportsNews.ph said Hapee officials, led by owner Dr. Cecilio Pedro, were supposed to pick Ateneo stalwarts Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Chris Tiu.
The two players were the vital cogs in Ateneo’s UAAP victory this year.
Hapee officials were surprised after they were informed that Ateneo officials pulled out their players from the team, giving hectic studies as the reason.
Pedro, who is admired by his peers for his mild manner, did not issue any statement. He left the Ynares Sports Center, where the drafting was scheduled, before the start of formal ceremony.
Pedro’s managing partner, Ding Salvador, also an Atenean, said they were not aware of the plan of the Ateneo officials to pull out their players.
“We’re not angry but we’re very disappointment. Why on the 11th hour?” said Salvador. “We hope to get an explanation from them (Ateneo officials).”
Hapee coach Gee Abanilla could not help but vent out his frustration. “Nasira lahat ang plano ko sa team. I’m really excited to handle them because they are very talented players. Very disciplined athletes sila.”
Aside from Al-Hussaini and Tiu, Hapee Toothpaste were eyeing the following players: Finals MVP Nonoy Baclao, Eric Salamat, Jeffrey Long, Raymond Leonard Austria, Jai Reyes, Christopher Sumalinog and Jobe Nkemakolam.
The last time Hapee Toothpaste won a title in the league was four years ago when the team was still bannered by Ateneo stars Rich Alvarez, Larry Fonacier and LA Tenorio.
Ross is PBL top pick
Except for the withdrawal of the Ateneo players, the PBL Rookie Draft went on smoothly with Fil-Am Chris Ross emerging as the No. 1 pick by the Pharex Medics.
According to Pharex coach Carlo Tan, the 6-foot-1 Ross is expected to provide the Medics stability and firepower, which they lacked in the past two tournaments.
“He’s not a fancy player like other Fil-foreign players but I’m sure he can get the job done,” said Tan.
As expected, Toyota Otis got Mapua’s Allan Mangahas for second pick while Magnolia took Spartacus Rodriguez of San Francisco State University for third pick.
Other first round picks were: La Salle’s Brian Ilad (Burger King), Lance Convento of California State Fullerton (Hapee Toothpaste), Erick Suguitan of ACSAT (Harbour Centre) and Paul Lee of University of the East (Bacchus Energy Drink).
