Kings will play minus Hatfield; Express eyeing Sharma

Kings playing sans Hatfield
By Musong R. Castillo
Inquirer
Last updated 02:59am (Mla time) 10/03/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- Rudy Hatfield is still officially on leave, and Andy Seigle was not given a contract extension, leaving the frontline chores for Barangay Ginebra to Eric Menk and Billy Mamaril.

Hatfield is still in the United States helping his wife, the former Brittany Herr, solve custodial problems of her children, while Seigle was not offered a renewal by management after a so-so season last year.

The Gin Kings will open defense of the PBA Philippine Cup starting Oct. 14, and if there is one spot where the team is vulnerable, it is in the frontline.

Rafi Reavis, one of the best shot blockers in the league, is also not yet 100 percent after undergoing surgery to repair an injured shoulder.

Hatfield left the team during the Fiesta Cup and elected not to suit up for the Philippines in the FIBA-Asia championship in Japan -- to get married. He has since returned, not to play, but to shoot a commercial, and has given the coaching staff word of an extended vacation.

Meanwhile, Air21 is hoping to land a formidable center even with less than two weeks left before the 33rd season opens.

Team manager Lito Alvarez said he wants to arrange a trade with Red Bull for the services of Carlo Sharma, who blossomed under Yeng Guiao last year to become a reliable center.

But the Express, who are in China for a tournament there, can only part with a future draft pick.