Jong: We need to keep in step with rivals
By Noli Cortez
Malaya
September 15, 2007
"Lahat ng ibang teams nagpalakas and have become stronger" Uichico said. "Kaya it is imperative upon us na magpalakas din. If we hope to be at least competitive, kailangang at least mapunuan ang mga naging kulang sa amin. That’s logical."
Purefoods traded Artadi to Ginebra via Air21 while Belasco has spurned the generous offer of Welcoat and is expected to be traded to the Kings in exchange for two players.
Uichico said Belasco can "fill the spot created when Rudy (Hatfield) left," referring to his do-it-all forward who is on indefinite leave and attending to a personal problem in the United States.
Only a few minor kinks are reportedly being ironed out in the Belasco trade but he is sure to complement Eric Menk, Billy Mamaril, Rafi Reavis and Andy Seigle in Ginebra’s frontline. Artadi, meanwhile, will crash the playmaking rotation involving Jayjay Helterbrand and Johnny Abarrientos.
Macky Escalona, also a point guard, is likely to be sent to Welcoat, along with forward Michael Holper, in exchange for Belasco.
"We need to change," Uichico stressed, claiming they need to if they intend to have realistic chances of defending their crown in the season-opening Philippine Cup.
"Our team that won the championship last year is not the same team we have now," he said, while noting the polar extremes of the field his team has to contend with.
"Take the case of Welcoat," he said, referring to the team that won only five games in its maiden season last year. "Nu’ng makuha nila si (Joe) de Vance, automatically lumakas sila."
The same is true of Talk N Text, which will be welcoming back Ren-Ren Ritualo, Jimmy Alapag and Asi Taulava from their stint in the national team. The Phone Pals are also set to acquire NCAA standout Yousif Aljamal.
"Without those three, nag-finalist pa sila (in the Fiesta Cup)," said Uichico. "Ngayon babalik na ‘yung tatlo at may Aljamal pa. Lalo pang lalakas ‘yan," he gushed.
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