Tallest rookie content to be role player
By Joaquin Henson
The Philippine Star
Sunday, September 9, 2007
The 6-8, 250-pound former University of Mindanao standout was the second overall pick in the recent PBA draft and just signed a two-year contract with San Miguel.
“It’s the fulfillment of my dream to play in the PBA,” said Eman, a commerce degree holder with a major in management. “I’m happy to be a role player. Our team has a lot of scorers. My role is to rebound, pass and be the last line of defense. Whatever coach Siot (Tanquingcen) thinks I can do, I’ll try to do. I’ll fill in the gaps.”
Because of his exceptional height, Eman is perfect for basketball but learning the game wasn’t easy.
In high school, Eman was listed in the varsity roster by coach Tata Banzali since he was the biggest student on campus but hardly played. Then, Eman was recruited by the late University of Mindanao coach Mario Babao who grilled him on the basics. Before long, an athletic talent scout from Lanao, known as Pinda, took Eman and two other Mindanao prospects to the University of the East in Manila for tryouts. But it was Jose Rizal coach Boy de Vera who took a chance on Eman in the 1999-2000 NCAA season. Eman played sparingly for the Heavy Bombers and left the school after a year, exasperated by lack of financial support. He went to Marawi for a week of soul-searching then tried out for the Ateneo de Davao varsity. Eman wound up playing four years for the University of Mindanao and saw action in the Davao commercial leagues with ex-PBA cager Jomer Rubi.
News of a stratospheric center in Davao spread like wildfire and coach Dong Vergeire took notice, signing him up for the John O squad in the PBL. Subsequently, Eman and another Mindanao star Eder Saldua were picked to join the Cebuana Lhuillier national team by Vergeire. When Lhuillier disbanded the squad in 2003, Eman was suddenly homeless and sat out a year before he was called up by Rain or Shine and Henkel Sista in the PBL.
Now that he’s in the pros, Eman said he’ll make the most out of the opportunity to make a living from the sport that he’s built for.
“I’m hoping for a long career like Jerry Codiñera who played for almost 20 years,” said Eman. “I’m lucky that my idol Danny Ildefonso is my teammate. This is a big test for me, whether I can go to the next level. I know I’ve got to polish my post moves and work double time on getting stronger. I feel the pressure and it’s not going to go away. It’s up to me how far I can go. I won’t panic if I don’t do well at the start. I’ll do my best.”
Eman, 25, will be put to an early test as Dorian Peña won’t be available until December. Peña recently underwent surgery on his right foot and is expected to be out of commission for two months. Two screws were implanted to firm up Peña’s ankle by Dr. George Canlas in a two-hour operation at St. Luke’s Hospital.
Eman said he’s learning a lot in practice from Tanquingcen, assistant coach Biboy Ravanes, skills coach Kirk Collier and teammates Ildefonso and Willie Wilson. “I try to work as hard as I can,” he went on. “Coach Kirk teaches me footwork, how to seal, when to receive the ball, how to shoulder fake. Danny and Willie give me advice. I’m very determined. I also go to the Eclipse fitness center on Shaw Boulevard and work out with Jason, an American strength and conditioning coach who did volunteer work with the Chicago Bulls and trained several NCAA Division I players. I work out about two hours a session thrice a week aside from practicing with San Miguel.”
Recent Manila visitor and San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Chip Engelland also worked on Eman’s stroke, balance and foot placement when taking free throws.
Eman’s parents aren’t particularly tall. His father Fernando is 5-11 and mother Evangeline, 5-6. His oldest brother Firpo is 5-6 but three younger brothers are tall, too – 6-4 Fernando, 21, 6-7 Christopher, 20 and 6-6 Spencer, 18.
Fernando and Spencer play for the University of Mindanao while Christopher is temporarily sidelined with toxic goiter. Eman said he got his height from both his grandfathers who were six-footers.
Since playing for pay, Eman has sent money to cover the rent, power, food and water bills of his parents in Davao City. He lives in a Pasay City apartment with his Davao City neighbor Melvin Puzon.
All eyes will be on Eman when the PBA opens its season on Oct. 14. As the league’s tallest rookie, Eman will be under a microscope and the sooner he gets used to the idea, the better.
In his wildest dreams, Eman said he has visions of playing like Tim Duncan – whom he calls Mr. Fundamental – with touches of Kevin Garnett and Dirk Nowitzki. But in the real world, he’ll settle to be San Miguel’s No. 1 role player.
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