Philippine National Teams - Past and Present

[fordmo47]

1967 abc

Thank you for the enlightening article. I first became more aware of this champion team when my twin brother and I were able to unearth an old Liwayway issue which had for its cover the entire team paying a courtesy visit to President Marcos after regaining the crown. All of them wore coat and ties including a bespectacled Ed Ocampo.

In the article inside, one of the heroes was Danny Florencio who was described as "matangkad na batang forward." Maybe the standards were quite different then because I know that Florencio was never a six footer.

There was also a picture of Tembong Melencio grabbing a rebound. Oddly enough he was wearing uniform no. 7. My brother and I were confused since Big J was a part of that team. If so then, what uniform number did the Big J wear? Or better yet, could someone here list the 1967 ABC roster arranged by uniform number from 4 to 15?

Thank you very much

[fordmo47]

1972 Munich Olympics Phippines Men's Basketball Team

This kind of forum has always been my favorite topics. For those of you curious enough, here is my research on our last Olympic team, Thanks to sports-reference.com. Due to space constraints, each game (all eight of them) will be posted individually:



Republic of the Philippines Coach: Ignacio Ramos
No. Name Club G TP REB TO PPG RPG TOPG

4 Edgardo Ocampo YCO Red Painters 8 19 3 3 2.38 0.38 0.38
5 Narciso Bernardo Mariwasa Akai Recorders 4 25 2 2 6.25 0.50 0.50
6 Jaime Mariano Concepcion Motorolas 8 111 37 13 13.88 4.63 1.63
7 Rogelio Melencio Concepcion Motorolas 8 54 11 14 6.75 1.38 1.75
8 Danilo Florencio Crispa Floro Redmanizers 8 105 16 9 13.13 2.00 1.13
9 Marte Samson YCO Red Painters 8 25 15 3 3.13 1.88 0.38
10 Adriano Papa, Jr. Crispa Floro Redmanizers 8 74 5 12 9.25 0.63 1.50
11 William Adornado Crispa Floro Redmanizers 6 24 11 6 4.00 1.83 1.00
12 Rosalio Martirez San Miguel Braves 8 46 21 15 5.75 2.63 1.88
13 Manuel Paner San Miguel Braves 8 63 36 10 7.88 4.50 1.25
14 Freddie Webb YCO Red Painters 8 42 15 14 5.25 1.88 1.75
15 Ricardo Cleofas YCO Red Painters 7 20 4 3 2.86 0.57 0.43

Totals 8 608 176 104 76.00 22.00 13.00
Opponents 8 739 319 158 92.38 39.88 19.75

[fordmo47]

1972 Munich Olympics Philippine Men's Basketball Team - Game 1

Game 1 - Lost to Poland 90-75

8/27/1972

Philippines vs . Poland

Philippines PTS REB TO

Jaime Mariano 16 6 1
Manuel Paner 14 7 1
Danilo Florencio 10 0 1
Ricardo Cleofas 8 1 3
Adriano Papa, Jr. 6 1 1
Rogelio Melencio 6 1 1
Marte Samson 5 2 2
Freddie Webb 4 0 3
Edgardo Ocampo 3 0 1
William Adornado 2 3 0
Rosalio Martirez 1 4 2


Philippines 75 25 16

Poland PTS REB TO

Andrzej Kasprzak 20 9 3
Andrzej Seweryn 20 4 4
Mieczysław Łopatka14 7 3
Jan Dolczewski 12 3 0
Eugeniusz Durejko 8 5 2
Grzegorz Korcz 7 5 3
Franciszek Niemiec 4 4 1
Janusz Cegliński 3 5 0
Ryszard Białowąs 2 0 0
Piotr Langosz 0 2 0
Waldemar Kozak 0 0 1
Andrzej Pasiorowski0 0 0

Poland 90 44 17

[fordmo47]

1972 Munich Olympics Philippine Men's Basketball Team - Game 2

Game 2 - Lost to Puerto Rico 90-75

8/28/1972

Philippines vs Puerto Rico

Philippines PTS REB TO

Danilo Florencio 23 1 2
Jaime Mariano 7 7 4
Freddie Webb 7 6 3
Rogelio Melencio 7 2 2
Adriano Papa, Jr. 6 0 1
Rosalio Martirez 6 0 2
Narciso Bernardo 4 0 0
Ricardo Cleofas 4 0 0
Marte Samson 2 6 0
William Adornado 2 5 5
Manuel Paner 2 5 1
Edgardo Ocampo 2 1 0

Philippines 72 33 20



Puerto Rico PTS REB TO

Mickey Coll 18 7 1
Héctor Blondet 16 5 6
Neftali Rivera 14 1 5
Rubén Rodríguez 9 17 3
Billy Baum 8 4 1
Mariano Ortíz 7 0 1
Jimmy Thordsen 6 5 3
Joe Hatton 6 2 2
Raymond Dalmau 4 5 3
Teo Cruz 4 0 4
Earl Brown 0 1 0
Ricky Calzada 0 1 1

Puerto Rico 92 48 30

[Percival O. Flores]

Well I am the "twin brother" Ford Mo 47 referred to here. Now part of the reason why I was forced to enlist as a member here was to read in full what he posted.

Now I know. He has always been the mathematical twin. And he loves those stats being a BS Math graduate, topped by a masteral degree in actuarial science.

I do confirm that we have been keen followers of Philippine basketball since we were about six years old, influenced by our grandfather, and to a lesser extent by our older cousins and father.

This is the first forum that we twins are together. So I hope you readers will appreciate what we post from time to time.

[Jay P. Mercado]

IBN should be more than proud and happy to welcome two of the topnotch basketball (and sports in general) historians we've ever come to known. I've known Percy (POF for short) dating back 2003 in the old PBA phorum and at MYPBA. I haven't met his twin brother though, although I've heard a lot about him through POF and through his posts in another forum. IBN would be more than happy to welcome these two aboard.

[nardy]

http://www.newsflash.org/2000/06/sp/sp001196.htm

RP YOUTH BASKETBALL TEAM FOR ABC IN DOHA, QATAR NAMED

Manila, Aug. 16, 2000 - National head coach David (Boycie) Zamar announced the Philcom Western Union- Philippine National Team lineup yesterday composed of collegians from the NCAA, UAAP and NCRAA. The team will represent the country in the third Asian Basketball Confederation (ABC) Championship for Young Men in Doha, Qatar this month.


Heading the cast are Youth Team veterans Christian Coronel of San Sebastian, Britt Reroma of San Beda College, and Yancy de Ocampo of St. Francis of Assisi School System.


Zamar named 11 regulars, two alternates and four reserves who are members of either the Young Men's or the Youth basketball pool and have seen action in the first National Basketball League (NBL) recently. He said Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) president Freddie D. Jalasco Jr. will head the delegation.


The other regulars are Ronnie Zagala, on residence at FEU; Patrick Tiongco and Mark Joseph Kong, on residence at Letran; Mark Magsumbol of St. Benilde, Ranidel de Ocampo and Ervin Sotto of St. Francis of Assisi, Nelbert Omolon of Philippine Christian University, and Jean Marc Pingris and Manuel Caceres of Philippine School of Business Administration (PSBA).


Named as alternates were Rolly Menor, St. Benilde reserve, and Manuel Caceres of PSBA. Listed as reserves are Christian Cabatu, Anthony Topacio, Marren Padrones, and Romar Menor of St. Benilde who is on the injured list.


"We're all set to go. I had hoped to be able to bring Jenkins (John Joseph Mesina of San Beda), but I'm afraid he cannot make the trip. I've personally talked with San Beda authorities and they have declined to allow him to go with the team to Qatar," Zamar said.

RP Had the Biggest Lead in a Basketball Game

The Philippine team registered what could be the world's biggest lead in an amateur basketball game when it clobbered Brunei Darussalam, 160-19, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on July 2, 2000. The 141-point lead could be the biggest for any amateur basketball team since basketball was introduced in the Philippines by the Americans. During the game, the Philippine national team limited the Brunei squad to only 19 points. It later won the Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) Young Men's Tournament crown against Malaysia.


from Gameface:

RP WINS by 141 Points
Philippine Daily Inquirer
by Lorenzo Manguiat
July 3, 2000

No mercy.

The Philippines' 20 and under men's basketball team booked itself a finals slot in the SEABA Young Men's Tournament atfer clobbering Brunei Darussalam, 160-19, yesterday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Nationals completely dominated the game from start to finish, forcing the Brunei players to commit an eye-poping 73 turnovers, which in turn led to an avalanche of easy baskets. At one point, the RP squad reeled off 33 consecutive points and twice fired 28 in a row.

It was a pitiful sight to watch the Brunei players fumbling the ball on almost every occasion as they were simply no match against the much taller and more skillful Filipinos. Brunei only managed to score seven points in the final 20 minutes after trailing 12-71 in the opening half.

Eight out of the 11 players fielded in by Coach Boyzie Zamar scored in double figures led by Jenkins Mesina with 25 points.

The Filipinos, who notched their second win, will meet Malaysia for the crown today at 3:30 PM. The Malaysians defeated Singapore, 71-62 in the night cap.

Scores: Philippines 160- Mesina 25, Zagala 20, Tiongco 19, Magsumbol 19, Menor 18, Sotto 17, Kong 16, R. de Ocampo 13, Reroma 7, Coronel 4, Y. de Ocampo 2

Brunei Darussalam 19- Lim Aik Hock 5, Po Yung Hai 4, Lim Chee Pin 2, Chong Ching Poh 2, Ho Pu Kok 2, Yong Chin Aull 2, Tay Kai Sen 2.

Halftime: 71-12

I can proudly say that I watched this game live at the venue. Talagang nagmukhang kaawa-awa ang mga batang Brunei.

By the way, Yancy de Ocampo was limited to only two points because he sustained a cut on his eyebrow early in the first period during a loose ball scuffle. He never returned.

Also missing from the box scores is forward Nelbert Omolon.

Just to give a perspective, the Brunei center and tallest player was a fat kid who stood a shade above six feet. They had at least one more player at the 5'11 to 6'0" range and the rest were from 5'5" to 5'9".

So what happened to this RP Team?

Nelbert Omolon (Sta. Lucia), Christian Coronel (Sta. Lucia), Ervin Sotto (Alaska) and brothers Yancy de Ocampo (Talk 'N Text) and Ranidel de Ocampo (Talk 'N Text) are still active in the PBA;

Jenkins Mesina had a brief PBA career with Purefoods;

Mark Magsumbol (Quezon), Ronnie Zagala (Taguig) and Mark Kong (Misamis Oriental) are currently playing for different teams in Liga Pilipinas. Magsumbol (Sta. Lucia/Air 21) and Kong (Alaska/San Miguel/Red Bull) also made it to the PBA;

Britt Reroma is an assistant coach at San Beda-Rizal;

Romar Menor and Patrick Tiongco are OFW's in the Middle East. Menor played one season of pro ball with Cagayan de Oro in the MBA's final year in 2002;

Coach David "Alamat" Zamar is currently coaching in Indonesia.

[nardy]

1999 PHILIPPINE NT (SEA GAMES)
Romel ADDUCUL
Freche William ANG
Wynne ARBOLEDA
Celedon CAMASO
Ruben DE LA ROSA
Gilbert DEMAPE
June LONGALONG
Victor Pedro MARTIN
Renato MORANO
Jonathan SERRANO
Ernesto BILLONES (guest amateur player)
Kerby RAYMUNDO (guest amateur player)
Coach Francisco Luis ALAS

1999 PHILIPPINE NT (ABC)
Wynne ARBOLEDA
Vigildo BABILONIA
Crizaldo BADE
Rollie BASILIDES
Donaldo HONTIVEROS
Richard MELENCIO
Ferdinand RAVENA
Jovito SESE
Oscar SIMON
Dale SINGSON (DNP)
Melvin TAGUINES
Alvin TENG
Michael GARCIA (reserve)
Coach Victor SANCHEZ

RP beats Bahrain after a brawl

Fukuoka, Japan - Asian Games bronze medalists the Philippines survived a battle of punches and kicks to beat Bahrain, 83-75 at the Asian Men's Basketball Championships on Friday.

Tensions flared with 1.09 seconds left on the clock after Jovito Sese snatched a rebound and was blocked by Ahmad Malalla. The foul play triggered a skirmish with several players brandishing chairs and throwing punches.

The match was resumed several minutes later but neither side appeared eager to score in the dying seconds.

The Philippines, four-time winners in 1960, 1963, 1973 and 1985, finished 11th and Bahrain 12th.

AFP 09-04-1999

Info from Anthony Servinio in Gameface:

Here is the Philippine Team to the 1999 ABC Men's Championship in Japan:

Wynne Arboleda - Laguna Lakers
Vigildo Babilonia - Pasig-Rizal Pirates
Rolly Basilides - Laguna Lakers
Michael Garcia - Laguna Lakers
Donaldo Hontiveros - Cebu Gems
Richard Melencio - Laguna Lakers
Ferdinand Ravena - Pasig-Rizal Pirates
Jovito Sese - Laguna Lakers
Oscar Simon - Laguna Lakers
Melvin Taguines - Laguna Lakers
Alvin Teng - Laguna Lakers

Coach Victor "Rambo" Sanchez - Laguna Lakers

Note: A 12th player, Dale Singson, was not allowed to join the trip by his mother team the Iloilo Megavoltz.

[nardy]

Info from Gameface:

Tecnogas pockets Goyu Cup
January 1991

Forget about the outcome of their first tussle. The way RP Tecnogas beat Hongkong’s Casino Cigarets for the first Goyu Cup invitational basketball championship last week can still be rate as a first class upset.

That Tecnogas bested Casino, 102-95, the first time they met hardly hinted of what would happen in last Saturday’s thrilling showdown at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. As it turned out, Tecnogas repeated over Casino, 100-95, to sweep the six-team five-nation-field.

But why consider it an upset? Because Casino, already beefed up by four americans, added another devastating import during the finals to further bolster its chances. For a while there, the quintet looked capable of lifting Casino to the title. With new import Kevin Graham, a 6-foot-8 banger, teaming up beautifully with 7-foot David Willard, 6-6 high-flyer Anthony Stewart and 6-9 Chad Tucker, Casino stormed to a 38-27 lead, with 7:27 left in the first quarter.

Tecnogas, a hastily-formed team built around former PBA import Daryl Smith and Detroit native Sean Shelton, rallied however, and managed to level the count, 55-all at interval. And it was neither Smith nor the 6-5 Shelton who sparkled Tecnogas’ comeback but local skywalker Ferdinand Ravena with his acrobatic, gravity-defying drives.

Then in the second half, sniper Justino Pinat and speedster Jerry Gonzales, both former Letran Knights stnadouts, took over as they teamed up to frustrate Casino’s numerous tries to pull away. Pinat banged in five triples while Gonzales struck from medium range as the fagged out Americans were unable to put up a decent defense.

Still, with Tucker and Graham alternately scoring from inside, the scores were tied at 93-all with only 2:24 to go. There, the 5-foot-7 Gonzales, a former NCAA MVP, took over. He sneaked in a jumper, stole and then completed a three-point play to tilt the balance in Tecnogas’ favor. The Americans, visibly affected by the tight calls, lost their composure and were never able to stage a last-ditch rally.

Tecnogas was champion and coach Molet Pineda basked in glory. “I just instructed the boys to run and gun. At saka higpitan ang zona,” said Pineda. “Iyon lang naman ang paraan para talunin ang mga kano.” The ploy worked.

Pinoy Cagers hold sway
January 1991

Given two tall players, Filipinos can now hold their own against foreigners in basketball. This long time boast is once again being proven in the ongoing Goyu Cup Invitational basketball championship at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Local squads Tecnogas and RFM Swift are currently lording it over the six-team, five-nation international cagefest sponsored by Goyu & Sons, Inc. Tecnogas, composed mostly of former Letran Knights and backstopped by ex-PBA import and long time Philippine resident Daryl Smith and the massive Sean Shelton, is unbeaten after three starts; while the star-studded but hastily assembled Swift quintet, drawing rebounding strength from pinoy behemoths Edward Joseph Feihl and Bonel Balingit, is at second place with a 2-1 record.

The 6-foot-8 Smith and the 6-5 Shelton alongside 6-4 Jolly Escobar give

Tecnogas a formidable frontline which it put to good use to thwart Indonesia’s Pelita Jaya, 90-76, and Hongkong’s Casino Cigaret, 102-95, respectively. Against China’s Fuji-YKL, Tecnogas coach Molet Pineda rested Escobar and nearly paid the price as Tecnogas barely beat the long tom artists from Fujian province 105-102, last Tuesday.

The 7-foot Feihl and the 6-9 Balingit alternately patrol the slot for RFM Swift, which practiced but once before the six-day cagefest started. After losing badly, 86-103, to Casino Cigaret in last Saturday’s Inaugurals, the hotdogs, powered by Jun Limpot, Vergel Meneses and Johnedel Cardel went to beat Taipei’s Makita Power Tools, 111-82, and Pelita Jaya, 118-84, respectively.

If the trend continues, Tecnogas and Swift are likely to contest the championship, with Casino, a team built around six Americans, as the other probable contender.

[nardy]

1988 RP Youth Team:

Vergel Meneses
Jojo Lim
Danny Francisco
Rodericko Racela
Joselito Guanio
Johnadel Cardel
Zandro Limpot
Dennis Ramirez
Vic Pablo
Ferdinand Ravena
Edward Joseph Feihl
Mar Magada

Coach: Ato Badolato

Mar Anthony Magada was never part of this team. The last spot should go to Robert Ruiz of Letran.

from Gameface:

1989 ABC Junior Championships held at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Article by: Vincent Santos Talao

“it was a good first win but the boys have to play better,” said RP coach Edmundo Badolato after the nationals overpowered Singapore, 92-55. “we have to improved our defense, specifically our full-court press.”

Assuming the RP squad does get better enough to score wins over India and Iran, and sweep the quarter-final round, it will most likely face South Korea, Iraq and the winner of the Malaysia-Saudi Arabia game in Group 2, Iran edged India, 53-52, in a boring game and neither is expected to give the Philippines trouble in Group B of the preliminaries. The koreans blew Indonesia off the court, 101-72, on the same day, but not after being held to a 50-45 halftime score. Korea, which produced such deadshots as Shin dong-pa and Lee Chung-hee, traditionally has had great outside shooters, but can be overpowered inside with strong low-post offense. Players like Danny Francisco, Jun Limpot and Vergel Meneses, will be the key to a win.

On the whole, however, experts tend to pin their hopes on the versatile Johnedel Cardel, who topscored (16) for the Philippines on the first day.

Cardel, a veteran of the Asian 17-and-under tournament in Qatar last year, is expected to deliver in clutches. This development will then bring on the ultimate question: Can the Philippines beat Chinese-Taipei in the knockout-semifinals and earn the right to challenge the Great Wall – defending champion China?

Remember, coach Joe Lipa, back in 1986, whipped a two-week old junior team into form enough to bag the silver medal against stiff competition, limited logistics and unpopular sentiments from a number of filipinos at that time. The man is made and so are most of his players then. Members of the 1989 RP Junior Team are now given the task and a chance to make the most of it. The ball is their hands.

*the 10th ABC Youth championships held here in 1989 was one of those I followed closely, we were 5-0 and were avoiding an early confrontation with China in the cross-over semifinals in a must-win situation against Japan, unfortunately we lost, 90-88, on a last second jumper by the japanese player which stunned the hometown crowd at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, I recall how another Japanese player early on committed a dangerous foul on Meneses while Vergel was going for a slam, as expected we lost to China, 80-57 in the cross-over semis and was relegated to third place, avenging our defeat at the hands of Japan, China went on to beat Chinese-Taipei for the Championship.

[nardy]

This is the "Amateur" National Team we sent to the 1991 Asian Basketball Confederation in Kobe, Japan which was the qualifyer for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic which featured the Dream Team. The previous year (1990) it was the All-Pro Team of Coach Sonny Jaworski that played in the Asian Games in China.

Francis Rodriguez - head coach

Johnny Abarrientos
Marlou Aquino
Emilio "Nonoy" Chuatico
MacDonald "Macky" de Joya
Antonio "Tony" de la Cerna
Joselito "Jolly" Escobar
Teoderico "Boyet" Fernandez
Zandro "Jun" Limpot Jr.
Victor "Vic" Pablo
Ferdinand "Bong" Ravena Jr.
Alenogenes "Allen" Sasan
Stevenson "Bong" Solomon
Crizaldo "Cris" Bade
Enrique "Eric" Reyes

In the 1991 Asian Championship in Kobe, Japan, the Philippines finished second in their preliminary round group behind China, but a loss against Japan caused their elimination, ending up in seventh place, when Jordan forfeited the game.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_B...mpionship_1991

http://92mensolympicbball.webs.com/9...ampionship.htm

I Want RP Team Intact - Rodriguez
August-September 1991

KOBE - No singular hero was named when the Philippine team scored a vengeful 126-77 win over SEA Games archrival in Amagasaki last Sunday. The coaching staff was right. Everbody in the team had a hand in the sensational feat which more than made up for the humiliation suffered by the RP squad at the hands of the Malaysians in the 1989 SEA meet in Kuala Lumpur. Each and every member of the RP quintet received a bonus - $100.

The Filipinos were indeed superior to the Malaysians, who have revamped their 1989 lineup, and left only two original mainstays. But the demolition of the Malaysian squad should leave no doubt about the ability of the RP team currently carrying the national colors here to win the SEA Games basketball gold in the Manila SEA Games in November.

"I want this team to be intact," clamored coach Francis Rodriguez. Not to undermine the capabilities of the pros, whom sports commission chairman Cecil Hechanova had vowed to commision for the SEA Games assignment in case of the all-amateur RP team fails in its mission here. But Rodriguez said putting in pros in the RP cage team for the Manila Games might unwittingly dilute its proven worth. Rodriguez has proven a point.

The win over Malaysia had all but settled the issue of who would end up with the SEA Games basketball gold.

But when assistant RP team manager Buddy Encarnado of Sta.Lucia Realty sensed Chairman Hechanova might tarry and eventually call in the pros, he made a vow. "Sta.Lucia will support the national team in the SEA Games, but we want it to be intact. I dont see any reason why anybody from the national squad should be dropped. Everybody has worked hard."

Encarnado hinted Sta.Lucia might pull out its sponsorship if even a single member of the RP team campaigning here is dropped from the SEA Games cage squad.

It's his way of rewarding his players, who have kept faith and gallantly carried the national colors here. The RP entry into the Asian men's basketball championship quarterfinal round was a big achievement enough. The team has definitely gone far. Winning the ABC championship might be an impossible mission for the young, all-amateur RP quintet. But Encarnado has vowed to shoot for the stars.

And here's an Editorial's note on the RP Men's basketball team.

It's easy to understand why Basketball Association of the Philippines president Lito Puyat is singing a different tune about the RP five to the Kobe Asian men's basketball championship these days. The all-amateur nationals are performing well above expectations.

The nationals routed Kuwait, 77-59, mauled SEA Games arch rival Malaysia, 126-77, bowed to powerhouse China, 79-107, and dumped ambitious Bahrain, 107-83, to advance to the ABC main draw. Though they dropped their first quarterfinal game to the Japanese, 83-110, the young pinoys have drove home two vital points.

They deserved donning the national colors and that there's no need for the pros in the SEA Games. With the spirited stand they put up against the mighty Chinese, they actually did better than the Asian Games all-pro nationals who meekly yielded to the Chinese twice.

No wonder, Puyat, who up to the last minute was knocking at the PBA doors for the inclusion of pros to the team, has taken a turnaround. He's now mum on the issue and is all praises for the boys instead. Funny guy, really, this Puyat.

While this Philippine Team finished at 7th place, this made me wonder if Jaworski's team did not disband and was tweaked with a few reinforcements, would they have qualified for Barcelona instead of China and how would have we fared (China placed 12th and last among 12 teams without a single win, in the Preliminary Round China was drawn into Group B with Australia, CIS which is the former USSR minus the Baltic States, Bronze medalist Lithuania, Puerto Rico and Venezuela)

from Gameface:

Not to be forgotten in the history of Philippine basketball was the long-running conflict between then BAP president Gonzalo "Lito" Puyat (who serves a term longer than President Marcos was) and the PBA, which span for nearly two decades.

and this article is just one of those never-ending saga

Counter & Counter offer
By: Lopie Guzman (Basketball Weekly, May 1991)

Just when BAP president Lito Puyat has named a coaching staff and ordered tryouts for the national team seeing action in two international meets, here comes an offer from PBA commissioner Rudy Salud.

Salud has somewhat softened his stand of not lending pro players to the national team. He announced that the PBA is willing to lend not just eight but 12 players to the national team.

But there’s a catch to it! These players will only see action in the 16th SEA Games scheduled in Manila on November. No way will Salud and the PBA allow the pros to see action in the more prestigious ABC men’s championship set in Kobe, Japan on August.

Of course Salud’s offer is in consonance with the wish of PSC chairman Cecil Hechanova who had earlier stated he wanted pros in the SEAG team to ensure victory before a hometown crowd. It will be recalled that Malaysia defeated the Philippines in the basketball finals of the 1989 SEAG held in kuala lumpur. We don’t want a repetition of that same setback. Not on our own soil!

But as expected, Puyat scoffed at Salud’s offer. Said Puyat. “we need the pros in the ABC. We can win the SEAG gold with an all-amateur team.” Which is quite true!

If I remember it right, when the FIBA approved its open basketball policy. Salud was quick to say that the PBA won’t just lend players to all national teams that will be formed. The PBA will be selective and will only lend players for very important international undertakings such as the Olympics and the Asian Games. He had said that the SEA games is simply a regional meet and that even an all-amateur team, given the proper preparations, can win. In fact, Salud had gone on to point out that he’ll only lend players to the ABC meet which serves as a qualifying tournament for the Olympics and not to the ABC contest which serves as a qualifying tournament for the World basketball championships. He clarified that there wasn’t much need to compete in the World Championships because admit it or not, we cant be world powers in basketball!

This year’s ABC meet in Kobe is a qualifying tournament for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, and if we take Salud on proclamations made over a year ago, then it is imperative for the PBA to lend players for the kobe ABC! Salud’s latest proclamation is offering players for the SEAG and not for the ABC smacks with a lot of contradictions!

Perhaps in reneging on his previous announcement, Salud took into consideration the adverse effects that the recent Asian games experience brought upon by the PBA. After an all-pro team was beaten black and blue by the Chinese in Beijing, attendance at the ULTRA and even television ratings of the 1990 Third conference dipped. It was one of the worst of times for the PBA and it is only this year that the PBA is recouping its losses.

To interrupt the schedule of the league and to lend players to the Kobe meet wherein we will be facing powerhouse China anew could turn out disastrous. There is no guarantee we’ll be able to get it back to the Chinese who have been preparing for the Kobe meet for more than a year. Another loss could diminish the interest generated in fans this season. It would be better to play safe.

A triumph by an all-pro team in the SEA games before a hometown crowd would strenghten the credibility of the pro league. But Puyat, who is just as cunning as Salud, wouldn’t allow himself to be hoodwinked. Rebuffing the Salud proposal but the natural thing to do, in the end, Puyat and his bunch of amateurs would be exalted as martyrs if they lose in Kobe. If, by luck and other designs of fate, they go on to win and represent Asia in Barcelona, that would be a big blow to Salud and the PBA!

There were some minor changes in the 16th SEA Games in Manila on 1991:

Zandro "Jun" Limpot Jr.
Vergel Meneses
Marlou Aquino
Alenogenes "Allen" Sasan
Ferdinand "Bong" Ravena Jr.
Victor "Vic" Pablo
Emilio "Nonoy" Chuatico
MacDonald "Macky" de Joya
Johnny Abarrientos
Joselito "Jolly" Escobar
Stevenson "Bong" Solomon
Teoderico "Boyet" Fernandez

Head Coach: Francis Rodriguez

It was made sure that this team is strong and more than capable to get back the Gold Medal as we were dethroned as SEAG Champions in 1989 by Malaysia.

[nardy]

1986 Men's Basketball Team: (the golden bronze team)
(for the Seoul Asian Games)

Allan Caidic
Samboy Lim
Jerry Codinera
Harmon Codinera
Jojo Lastimosa
Alvin Patrimonio
Ronnie Magsanoc
Dindo Pumaren
Elmer Reyes
Eric Altamirano
Jack Tanuan
Glenn Capacio

Coach: Joe Lipa

from Gameface:

Philippines Surprises Japan, 81-78 in Asian Games Basketball Opener
Seoul, South Korea- September 1986

Avelino Lim Jr. scored 21 points and Allan Caidic added 20 to lead the Philippines over Japan, 81-78 in the 10th Asian Games Basketball opener for both teams.

A basket from Alvin Patrimonio with 10 seconds left lifted the Philippines to a 42-40 halftime lead. In the fiercely fought first interval, the lead changed hands six times and the score was tied twice.

The Philippines widened their lead to 54-44 with a rally early in the second half, but the Japanese roared back to move within three at 71-68 with 5:21 to go.

The Philippines maintained their margin of three or four points down the buzzer.

In the other opener, Song Tao scored 20 points to lead China to a 99-75 rout over Kuwait. The Chinese silver-medalist in the 1982 New Delhi Asiad, took by surprise the Kuwaiti team by building a 24-14 edge in less than 5 minutes into the game. Wang Libin and Sun Fengwu each scored 15 points to pace the winners, while Kuwait's highest scorer was Yousof Al Majed with 19 points.

[nardy]

1974 Asian Games in Tehran, Iran

Rudy "the Magician" Soriano
Ramon Fernandez
Bogs Adornado
Philip Cezar
Atoy Co
Abet Guidaben
Johnny Revilla
Danny Florencio
Sonny Jaworski (Captain Ball)
Jimmy Mariano
Yoyong Martirez
Dave Regullano

Head Coach:

Above is a rare picture of the Philippines vs Israel in the 1974 Tehran Asian Games #13 is Rudy "the Magician" Soriano of the Crispa Redmanizers with #10 Ramon Fernandez of the Komatsu Komets.

Other members of the team were:

from Crispa Redmanizers - Bogs Adornado, Philip Cezar, Atoy Co, Abet Guidaben and Johnny Revilla

from U-tex Weavers - Danny Florencio

from Komatsu Komets - Sonny Jaworski (Captain Ball)

from Concepcion Carriers - Jimmy Mariano

from Royal Tru-Orange - Yoyong Martirez and Dave Regullano

from Gameface:

Florencio, Big J Best He saw in RP says Sloan
The US NCAA champion North Carolina State Wolfpack series against RP quintet (1974)

William (Bogs) Adornado averaged a good 21 points a game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack, but it was Danny Florencio and Bobby Jaworski who best caught Wolfpack coach Norm Sloan's eye: Jaworski for his rugged defense- and despite his numerous lapses ("As much the other guy's fault as his..."); Florencio for his fearless incursions into the lane and variety of shots.

The North Carolina State coach though had a good word for both Adornado and Co, who he said were effective with their fade-away shots. Adornado's particularly arched way over the outstretched hands of the high-flying (David) Thompson or his taller teammates. Co lost first-day jitters to perform well in the last two games. ( The Wolfpacks played 4 games, one against the MICAA selection and three against the RP quintet.)

[nardy]

14th Asian Basketball Confederation Championship at Bangkok Thailand in 1987

from Gameface:

November 15, 1987 (Asian Basketball Confederation)

Defending champion RP mustered its enough strength and unleashed a superb offensive in the second half to crush tall Jordan, 97-91.

Trailing by 15 points, the Locals bankrolled on successive shots by Joshua Villapando, Nelson Asaytono and Ronnie Magsanoc to jam the Jordanians.

Added bonus to the boys in their elimination round campaign was the non-appearance of Iran which was scheduled to be their next assignment.

The extra day off will be used by coach Joe Lipa to scout the rest of the top contenders.

In the other game, Thailand treated the homecrowd with a victory over Indonesia, 85-68.

A mere contender again
By: Dennis Eroa
December 1987

Nobody loves a loser. This worn out adage was proven anew last week when the RP Team, fancied to at least finished third in the 14th ABC championships, arrived to a silent welcome at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport as a result of its fourth place in the 15-nation meet.

“It was a shame. The result was very frustrating,” said a veteran cage observer, who described the country’s campaign in the biennial meet as a big flop. For the uninitiated, fourth place in a tournament such as the ABC is no big deal. For basketball-crazy filipinos, that finish deserves catcalls and jeers.

If there was one thing that gladdened the hearts of jaded observers, it was the fact that, after 12 long years, an all-filipino crew gave the opposition, especially China, a good fight. The Nationals actually had one chance to salvage third place. But they dropped a 75-89 decision to Japan.

That ended the Filipinos’ roller-coaster drive in the two-week long cagefest. When it was over, not even coach Joe Lipa could come forward and offer a humble explanation. In fact, he shunned the PSA Sports Forum. Mauricio Martelino, BAP secretary-general claimed Lipa was indisposed.

Filipino spirit actually rose high when, at the start of quarterfinals play, the locals gave the Chinese a good fight, losing by only three points in the end, 94-97. They disposed of their SEA Games rival, Malaysia, and then booked a seat in the semifinals by carving out a 98-86 win over Thailand.

Against South Korea, an 88-105 loss, however, the Nationals fumbled and got lost in the face of the Koreans’ furious offensive although Lipa claimed later that he had actually entertained hopes of beating the Lee Chung Hee-led squad. Later, Lipa said he had done his best, adding he had no regrets whatsoever on the locals’ performance.

With no chance for the gold, the Filipinos set their sights on the bronze, with their drum-beaters claiming it amounted to no less than a gold. The Filipino community in Bangkok turned out in full force in the country’s game against Japan. The Locals tried but their best simply was not enough against the Japanese.

Last Tuesday, Martelino said the ABC expedition was not a big flop, considering that the team had to undergo several problems back home before emplaning for Thailand. Well, some RP Team observers contend that despite the defeat, the Filipinos have regained a measure of respect from their Asian countries.

China’s coach, Qian Cheng Hai, himself praised the Philippine team for playing tough basketball, India’s Phitap Singh said the RP team will always be a contender in the ABC tourney.

Yes, contenders. But champions? Lipa cant give the answer now. Right after the Philippines dropped its game against Japan, he made it clear he wouldn’t be coaching the national team again.

Unbelieving Mythical 5 awardee

Alvin Patrimonio himself couldn’t believe he was named to the Mythical five selection of the 14th ABC cagefest. Patrimonio played several great games in the Philippines’ drive for the title in the two week tournament. But he also blew cold in other games. Patrimonio himself felt that, his teammate, Benjie Paras, deserved the award more. “Sa kanya (Paras) ito,” he said.

Of course, Patrimonio would readily trade his plaque to a bronze medal. He said he would be more satisfied had the Philippines won third overall. “Finishing fourth was not really disappointing. Ayos lang maski na fourth. Malalakas naman talaga mga kalaban. Pero iba sana kung nakuha natin ang bronze.” He didn’t care a bit when no welcoming party was on hand during the RP Team’s arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport last week. But who cares? “I need a rest. Gusto ko lang makauwi at makapiling ang aking pamilya,” Alvin concluded.

[nardy]

Thank you for the enlightening article. I first became more aware of this champion team when my twin brother and I were able to unearth an old Liwayway issue which had for its cover the entire team paying a courtesy visit to President Marcos after regaining the crown. All of them wore coat and ties including a bespectacled Ed Ocampo.

In the article inside, one of the heroes was Danny Florencio who was described as "matangkad na batang forward." Maybe the standards were quite different then because I know that Florencio was never a six footer.

There was also a picture of Tembong Melencio grabbing a rebound. Oddly enough he was wearing uniform no. 7. My brother and I were confused since Big J was a part of that team. If so then, what uniform number did the Big J wear? Or better yet, could someone here list the 1967 ABC roster arranged by uniform number from 4 to 15?

Thank you very much

Still researching the Jersey Nos.

from Gameface:

CAGE SUPREMACY REGAINED

RP Basketeers Bring Back Asian Championship Title After Long Drought Period

Philippine Herald
October 8,1967

In the beginning in Seoul, Korea there was a good deal of predictions about the Asian Basketball Confederation (ABC) championship-notably between Japan and South Korea- which for the last two years relegated the Philippines to the back of the curtains in Asian cagefest.

But when the tourney hit full stride, the dopesters took notice of the Filipino's all-out effort to regain their position as Asian Basketball champions and at once the odds swung like a pendulum.

What started the trouble for the Philippine basketball was when it was eliminated from the pre-Olympics in Yokohama. It suffered its severest blow when it lost the Asiad title in Bangkok and finished sixth place, the lowest spot it had in Asian caging.

Back in Seoul the Filipinos first beat Indonesia, 103-67, then India, 111-63; before thrashing defending champion, Japan, 81-69.

Midway in the loop, the locals continued the rout over Singapore, 107-58, before crushing Nationalist China, 83-79. Hong Kong became their seventh victim, 103-52 before paving the way for a titular match with the Koreans by defeating Thailand, 95-66.

That fateful Sunday, Oct. 1, the Filipinos and the Koreans woke up early and took the bus together with the locals going to the church and the hosts went limbering in an undisclosed gym until the finale that night.

The Koreans were fast starters leading early 15-2 in the first five minutes before the Filipinos narrowed the gap, 23-18, in the first quarter. Then Narciso Bernardo and Orlando Bauzon delivered the key blows which pulled up the Philippines, 27-26. The scores went 31-28, 54-47 and 60-53.

The Koreans rallied to within one point, 62-61, for their last gasp of life.
The drama unfolded in the dying last five minutes of the game with the Koreans keeping themselves within striking distance, 75-71, until they moved closer at 79-78.

From out of the cold, Carlos Loyzaga gambled on Danny Florencio who made a freak outside shot, 81-80, which turned out to be the insurance shot for the Filipinos. Florencio followed this up with two free-throws which finally remained as the final score, 83-80.

"Our boys were united in one cause," Loyzaga said afterwards, "and that was to regain the crown they lost two years ago in the third ABC in Kuala Lumpur."

What made the RP team successful in Seoul?

A composite team without prima donnas and the desire to win and bring back the title was what carried the Filipinos to their return to the throne.
Narciso Bernardo, Danilo Florencio, Orlando Bauzon, Adriano Papa, Joaquin Rojas and Ed Ocampo proved the formidable combination for Loyzaga against any other team. And there was Alberto Reynoso, Rogelio Melencio, Jaime Mariano, Robert Jaworski, Ed Roque and Renato Reyes to round up the selection.

(As a young kid, I listened to this championship game between the Philippines and South Korea in the province. I was glued to the radio in my room and prayed for a Philippine win. My prayer was answered and the result was history. The game became a turning point and eventually led me to loving basketball until to this very day. The journey continued as my sons also developed the love for the game. - Toto Battung)