The PBA is Dead
Anyway, the more I think about it, the more I know it was a confluence of events that led me to disgust. Mainly, the NBA broadcasts that became available on cable, which showed me how pathetic our own league was (yes, Paras, who plays center would be playing PG). Then, the MBA which died a natural death, diluted the talent pool and doubled the amount of basketball to watch. The only thing good about that was that Sev Sarmenta left the PBA.
The nail on the coffin were the Fil-Ams, who were bigger, faster, stronger but the least bit Filipino. For a while it was believable that Alvarez and De Guzman can crack the rim. Or that little Johnny can zip through a phalanx of defenders and make two points look so easy. But when we started seeing players whose names were "Taulava", "Helterbrand" and "Siegle" we stopped believing that we could be one of them, that we could be in the game. Not only were they tall, they *looked* different. They blurred the line between "imports" and the locals (Bobbie Brown was small!).
I told my mom one day, when she asked me why I stopped watching, or lost interest completely, I said: If I wanted to watch foreigners play, I'd watch the NBA.
The truth is that the league lost its most precious heroes, and had hoped the Fil-Ams would replace them. No one was or will ever be as big as Jaworski or his team, or Patrimonio, Caidic or Lastimosa. Gone are the days when a short stocky everyday player like Rudy Distrito can make it big in the league with slow motion dribble penetrations. Or a layup from a guy named "Dondon" was such a welcome site to see. The PBA, in its desire to raise the standard of its game, had sold out to bottomfeeding Fil-Ams who couldn't make it to a NCAA Third Division team but could manage to fake a Birth Certificate and dribble a ball.
I've always been a basketball fan, no question, more now since I've been commissioning a Fantasy NBA League for five years. My thoughts on the PBA being dead is made more valid now that they're apparently choosing between Jasmine Trias and Camille Velasco to "grace" this year's opening. Fitting that both are Fil-Ams and both are, like the players in the league, runners-up.
(If only U.P. can get a Magsanoc-Paras combination again, basketball in the Philippines would re-interest me.)
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Comments
Dude, "b-o-b-b-i-e brown"? baka ricky brown....
had to spell out b-o-b-b-i-e, ayaw tangapin yung word na b-o-b.
Tama. B-o-bby Parks pala. Ricardo Brown. Kulot. Di ako nanonood pa non, di ko inabutan Crispa.
Merong "B-O-B" na laging nag spaspam sa akin e. So I blocked the word. Peste yan talaga.
i had to browse for a couple of references for my school project and then i got bored so i tried to
see what stuff the web still has on my dad, rudy distrito
and i read some of them
its just interesting 2 know what people think of him
n u sure complimented him well
but about fil-ams
i think u should give them a chance
they do give pride to our country here in the u.s
Hey!
I'm a huge Rudy Distrito fan, and it's an honor to have a comment from his kid on this blog. Please let him know that one of my greatest childhood pleasures was watching him play.
Fil-Ams, however, ruined the game. I'm pretty sure of that.
tsk tsk tsk. sorry about your dad sweet.
http://www.kvvu.com/Global/story.asp?S=2613966
November 30, 2004
Police Search For Suspect In Stabbing
(KVVU) -- Police are searching for a 46-year old man they say stabbed his ex-wife's new husband last Wednesday night just off the Las Vegas Strip.
Yesterday, a bench warrant was issued for Rudy Distrito, charging him for one count of murder with a deadly weapon.
On Wednesday night, officers say Rudy Distrito got into an argument with his ex-wife's new husband around 7:30 at the Deckow Apartments near Tropicana and Koval. When officers arrived on scene, they found a 24-year-old victim stabbed multiple times. He was taken to UMC but didn't survive his injuries.
Distrito has been described as 5'10", 170 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
Anyone who has information on Distrito or his whereabouts is urged to contact Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department at 229-3521 or Crime Stoppers at 385-5555.
He is considered dangerous and should not be approached.
(Copyright 2004. All Rights Reserved.)
Please don't comment anything about her dad. Leave her alone. She is not a part of it. Let's give her a peace of mind. That's the least we can do. No more messages please...
Dear Sweet,
Hello..How are you now? This is your ninang Chinky. I hope you can write me and give me your e-mail address.
I will always remember your Dad as a very generous and helpful friend (as well as your Mom).
I pray that he gets out of his problem soon and that the tide turns out in his favor. Stay strong and prayerful...for when all earthly thngs fail, the big guy above is the only Hope.
Pls get in touch with me. My regards to Jo.
Love, Ninang Chinky