Bigger Samboy will be first Pinoy in NBA according to spurs assistant

[VII]

Bigger Samboy will be first Pinoy in NBA

By JOAQUIN HENSON
The Philippine Star

CLEVELAND – San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Chip Engelland said the other day the first Filipino to play in the NBA will be a bigger version of Samboy Lim – a swingman who’s athletic, quick and smart.

Engelland, who played for Northern Cement in the PBA in 1982-85, couldn’t imagine a Filipino shorter than 6-6 to make the grade as a convertible two-guard and small forward.

"He’d have to be as strong and high-leaping as Samboy but taller," said Engelland. "I know PBA players are bigger now than they were when I played so

it’s just a matter of finding the right guy. He’s out there somewhere waiting to be discovered."

Engelland, 45, joined Spurs coach Gregg Popovich’s staff at the start of the 2005-06 season as a shooting doctor. His primary responsibility was offense and although he worked with the entire team, it was no secret he zeroed in on point guard Tony Parker.

Engelland’s first season with the Spurs ended on a low note as San Antonio lost to Dallas in seven games in the Western Conference playoffs. Even as Parker’s shooting stats showed a marked improvement, the bottom line was the ultimate measure of success.

"We went down, 1-3, in the Dallas series and even if we came back to tie it, it was just too much of a struggle," recalled Engelland. "We learned our lesson. We also brought in (Fabricio) Oberto and (Francisco) Elson in the offseason so we got quicker in the middle. We became a lot more versatile with Rasho (Nesterovic) and Nazr (Mohammed) gone."

Against Cleveland in the Finals this season, Engelland said every game was tough. "We never aspired for a sweep," he said. "We knew the Cavs were hard to beat in their house so we just tried our best, game in game out. Luckily, we pulled it off."

Engelland said he participates in all strategy meetings presided by Popovich and is aware of the Spurs gameplans on both ends of the floor. His contract expires at the end of next season but negotiations will likely begin for an extension during the summer.

"I’m like a lifeguard," said Engelland. "I look at how I can improve a player’s shooting. If a player hits all his threes in a game then none in the next, I address the problem of consistency. If a player is a good three-point shooter but has difficulty scoring off the dribble, I work with him to fix the problem. I look at little things that could improve free throw shooting."

Engelland said Popovich has a style that brings out the best in his players. "It doesn’t matter who you are, whether you’re a starter or not, he’ll talk to you the same way," he said. "Pop will tell you what you need to do to get better, not what you want to hear."

Before joining the NBA, Engelland formed his own company called "Chip Shots" specializing in stroking the ball and became known as a shooting instructor whose clients included Grant Hill, Steve Kerr, Larry Hughes, Shane Battier and Chamique Holdsclaw.

Hill took Engelland to Detroit where he was a consultant then to Orlando. When Hill got hurt, Engelland was signed by the Denver Nuggets as an assistant coach and later by the Spurs.

Engelland now lives in San Antonio with wife Jessica and their four-month-old baby boy Preston Arthur.

Engelland said he will always cherish the memory of playing for San Miguel Corp. chairman Eduardo Cojuangco and going up against legends like Robert Jaworski, Ramon Fernandez and Abe King in the PBA.

"I remember San Miguel as a first-class organization," said Engelland. "My best friend on our team was Alfie Almario and I was so sad when I heard he died. My best Filipino friend is Bobby Lim whom I’m still in touch with. Once every 10 days or so, I get an email from a Filipino fan and I never fail to reply. Filipino fans are the best in the world because they know the game, they follow the league religiously and they’re very loyal to their favorite players and teams."

Engelland said if ever he visits Manila again, the first thing he’ll do is to call on coach Ron Jacobs. He said he’ll also catch up with teammates Hector Calma, Lim, Jerry Codiñera, the Pumaren brothers, Tonichi Yturri and Allan Caidic whom he described as the Filipino version of Chris Mullin.

"I’m craving for Philippine mangoes," said Engelland. "I miss Pagsanjan Falls, Baguio and the beaches. I still have some Philippine pesos and I’ll never give up the San Miguel uniform I wore when we beat the US for the Jones Cup championship in 1985."

[Calvin]

congraduations.

[Saskibaloia]

I’ll never give up the San Miguel uniform I wore when we beat the US for the Jones Cup championship in 1985."

I love it when someone beats the Yankees at their own game :D

[sickcurtain_16]

There are a lot of bigger samboys in the NBA today, so i love to see a bigger caidic now. :) Then reggie miller will be history. :D

[banex]

There are a lot of bigger samboys in the NBA today, so i love to see a bigger caidic now. :) Then reggie miller will be history. :D
i agree...a bigger allan caidic can make it to the nba too and has the dribbling skills of willie miller!

[donmar]

There are a lot of bigger samboys in the NBA today, so i love to see a bigger caidic now. :) Then reggie miller will be history. :D

Yeah!.. that would be awesome!!!... Reggie Miller is already history :D... but that record of 12 triples in a single game would be history in no time!...

[ctongco]

Yeah!.. that would be awesome!!!... Reggie Miller is already history :D... but that record of 12 triples in a single game would be history in no time!...


What was the most triples Ritualo made in a single game? Caidic had it at 17 triples, right?

[donmar]

What was the most triples Ritualo made in a single game? Caidic had it at 17 triples, right?

9 triples... that was the game when he equal one of Caidic's record - consecutive triples (???)

[thayil]

How about bigger JAworski?

[banex]

How about bigger JAworski?
a bigger jawo is better than steve nash!:cool:



i love to be a filipino and i'll live forever as a filipino!!!

[thayil]

a bigger jawo is better than steve nash!:cool:



i love to be a filipino and i'll live forever as a filipino!!!


Imagine-- "ANGAS" factor and savy play, beteran moves moves with Genius basketball IQ! Hehehe:)

[demonyito]

please add a 6'10 Patrimonio:), surely will be an NBA prospect


i wish:rolleyes:

[Holy Hand Grenade]

Maybe since it's the off-season, we can hire Chip Engelland's outfit "Chip Shots" to hold a shooting clinic for our players. It's been almost a decade since Alan Caidic retired, and we still haven't found someone with The Triggerman's quick release coming off the pick and radar-accurate outside shooting.

[donmar]

Maybe since it's the off-season, we can hire Chip Engelland's outfit "Chip Shots" to hold a shooting clinic for our players. It's been almost a decade since Alan Caidic retired, and we still haven't found someone with The Triggerman's quick release coming off the pick and radar-accurate outside shooting.

Actually, Allan Caidic owns a shooting academy for high school and college players!

[Holy Hand Grenade]

That's good to know. Let's hope he finds some promising material. :)

[pinoy pac fan]

Anybody here know where I can watch old videos of NCC-Philippines in action? Or even just a good Samboy Lim highlight video? Youtube doesnt have one.

[saints13]

I’ll never give up the San Miguel uniform I wore when we beat the US for the Jones Cup championship in 1985."

How bout a bigger EJ Feihl? :rolleyes: just kidding..

is he a naturalized Filipino back then? or was just an import?
care to share infos, i wasn't born yet during those times.. :)

[banex]

Imagine-- "ANGAS" factor and savy play, beteran moves moves with Genius basketball IQ! Hehehe:)

:D the dirtiest player in the nba!hehehe...

[banex]

please add a 6'10 Patrimonio:), surely will be an NBA prospect


i wish:rolleyes:
is better than c-webb!
a bigger benjie paras is better than hakeem...:rolleyes:

[bolabasket]

EJ Fiehl was born in RP to German Father and Filipina mother....no naturalization needed.

[saints13]

EJ Fiehl was born in RP to German Father and Filipina mother....no naturalization needed.

di mo ako nagets pre..

yun Asst. Coach ng Spurs, na si Chip Engellandang, ang tinatanong ko kung naturalized o import nun naglaro siya sa Jones Cup since I quoted his statement na tinatago pa rin daw nya un Jersey niya na San Miguel nung tinalo nila ang Team USA sa Jones Cup.

"I’ll never give up the San Miguel uniform I wore when we beat the US for the Jones Cup championship in 1985."

gets? pero malamang import siya nun since legal naman sa Jones Cup ang gumamit ng import. out of context yun reply mo, pls read analyze before you reply :)

[Burndvinyard]

di mo ako nagets pre..

yun Asst. Coach ng Spurs, na si Chip Engellandang, ang tinatanong ko kung naturalized o import nun naglaro siya sa Jones Cup since I quoted his statement na tinatago pa rin daw nya un Jersey niya na San Miguel nung tinalo nila ang Team USA sa Jones Cup.

"I’ll never give up the San Miguel uniform I wore when we beat the US for the Jones Cup championship in 1985."

gets? pero malamang import siya nun since legal naman sa Jones Cup ang gumamit ng import. out of context yun reply mo, pls read analyze before you reply :)

Haha. Keep your cool man.;) Chip Engelland was a naturalized Filipino then. Together with Dennis Still and Jeff Moore, they are Americans paid by Danding Cojuangco to suit up the National colors as Filipinos. In the same manner, Fil-Ams like Willy Pearson and Ricky Brown were part of that celebrated NT. Not sure about the latter part though. I was still in Grade 1 then.:D

[pinoy pac fan]

di mo ako nagets pre..

yun Asst. Coach ng Spurs, na si Chip Engellandang, ang tinatanong ko kung naturalized o import nun naglaro siya sa Jones Cup since I quoted his statement na tinatago pa rin daw nya un Jersey niya na San Miguel nung tinalo nila ang Team USA sa Jones Cup.

"I’ll never give up the San Miguel uniform I wore when we beat the US for the Jones Cup championship in 1985."

gets? pero malamang import siya nun since legal naman sa Jones Cup ang gumamit ng import. out of context yun reply mo, pls read analyze before you reply :)

Chip Engelland, Dennis Still And Jeff Moore were part of the Danding Cojuangco bankrolled NCC-Philippines teams in the early to mid 1980s. They were naturalized Filipino citizens. They were not imports. NCC was disbanded after the EDSA revolution (Danding = Marcos crony) and Engelland was forced to leave the country.

Technically, he would have been eligible to play in the PBA s a local.

[donmar]

Haha. Keep your cool man.;) Chip Engelland was a naturalized Filipino then. Together with Dennis Still and Jeff Moore, they are Americans paid by Danding Cojuangco to suit up the National colors as Filipinos. In the same manner, Fil-Ams like Willy Pearson and Ricky Brown were part of that celebrated NT. Not sure about the latter part though. I was still in Grade 1 then.:D

Actually Dennis Still and Jeff Moore were already naturalized Filipinos during the Jones Cup tournament but Arthur "Chip" Engelland was almost naturalized... he was playing as an import in the Jones Cup, in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup, in the World Club Championship and in the PBA Reinforced Conference... he wasn't able to participate in the FIBA Asia Championship in 1985-86 because he wasn't naturalized... only Jeff Moore and Dennis Still...

If the 1986 EDSA Revolution never took place... he could've played for the Philippines in the World Championship... by that time.. I'm sure he could have been naturalized as a Filipino player...

[saints13]

ah ok. :)

salamat sa info. wala pa yata ako 1 year old nun time na yun. Martial-Law baby pa ako nun, haha, sa kwento lng ng erpats ako nakakabalita about dun sa mga panahon na yun, e nsa Kuwait erpats ko ngaun kaya wla ako basketball almanac d2 s bahay, hehe. trend na pala talaga yan mga naturalization, nagsimula pala sa atin, haha, nahuli na sa uso mga arab countries, joke. uso na ulit sa mid-east, garapalan ang naturalization ng Qatar, sa Lebanon at Jordan medya medya lang.hehe.

[sergio23]

ah ok. :)

salamat sa info. wala pa yata ako 1 year old nun time na yun. Martial-Law baby pa ako nun, haha, sa kwento lng ng erpats ako nakakabalita about dun sa mga panahon na yun, e nsa Kuwait erpats ko ngaun kaya wla ako basketball almanac d2 s bahay, hehe. trend na pala talaga yan mga naturalization, nagsimula pala sa atin, haha, nahuli na sa uso mga arab countries, joke. uso na ulit sa mid-east, garapalan ang naturalization ng Qatar, sa Lebanon at Jordan medya medya lang.hehe.

Why not get any Americans who can suit up at the center position?we can get McCoy perhaps and many 2 mention NBA calibre black bball player...agree????

[saints13]

Why not get any Americans who can suit up at the center position?we can get McCoy perhaps and many 2 mention NBA calibre black bball player...agree????

ask them :)

[sickcurtain_16]

Bigger EJ Feihl!!?:D That would be a bigger headache.

A bigger Jaworski on the detroit pistons will make the pistons the badder! hehehehe

[Burndvinyard]

Actually Dennis Still and Jeff Moore were already naturalized Filipinos during the Jones Cup tournament but Arthur "Chip" Engelland was almost naturalized... he was playing as an import in the Jones Cup, in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup, in the World Club Championship and in the PBA Reinforced Conference... he wasn't able to participate in the FIBA Asia Championship in 1985-86 because he wasn't naturalized... only Jeff Moore and Dennis Still...

If the 1986 EDSA Revolution never took place... he could've played for the Philippines in the World Championship... by that time.. I'm sure he could have been naturalized as a Filipino player...

donmar, where did you get that info? Engelland was a naturalized Filipino back then. FIBA doesn't even allow imports during those times.

Here's Chip Engelland's statements taken from an interview:


"I would’ve been proud to play for the Philippines," he said in an interview in 1997. "I lived in Manila for three years, exploring the countryside and assimilating with the people. I love Filipinos and the Philippines. I remember I was a godfather at the baptism of a baby whose father worked as a waiter in one of my favorite restaurants. It was a life’s experience and I chose to become a naturalized player like many others in the basketball world. I didn’t expect to be caught in a political crossfire. When the EDSA Revolution happened, no one wanted me anymore. I was hurt and sad. I waited for the chance to go back but my phone never rang. I just think politics should never have entered the equation...."

[VII]

its sad that idiot people in the philippines took him for granted...

[bolabasket]

di mo ako nagets pre..

yun Asst. Coach ng Spurs, na si Chip Engellandang, ang tinatanong ko kung naturalized o import nun naglaro siya sa Jones Cup since I quoted his statement na tinatago pa rin daw nya un Jersey niya na San Miguel nung tinalo nila ang Team USA sa Jones Cup.

"I’ll never give up the San Miguel uniform I wore when we beat the US for the Jones Cup championship in 1985."

gets? pero malamang import siya nun since legal naman sa Jones Cup ang gumamit ng import. out of context yun reply mo, pls read analyze before you reply :)


Chip Engelland is a Naturalized Filipino together with Dennis Still and Jeff Moore. Puro sila naturalized and not imports. They use Philippine passports. Dati kasi walang limit sa naturalized players so any team can field as many. Now, I think isa lang pwede per team.

[saints13]

Chip Engelland is a Naturalized Filipino together with Dennis Still and Jeff Moore. Puro sila naturalized and not imports. They use Philippine passports. Dati kasi walang limit sa naturalized players so any team can field as many. Now, I think isa lang pwede per team.

ah ganun po ba, tnx for the info, that particular info I didn't know :)

Ngayon ba e pwede isang Naturalized per team lang, e paano naman ang Qatar, sandamukal ang Naturalized player nila?

how come Qatari Sheik Saud Bin Ali Al-Thani (President of FIBA Asia 2006-2010) ignores the rule himself? :)

[bolabasket]

ah ganun po ba, tnx for the info, that particular info I didn't know :)

Ngayon ba e pwede isang Naturalized per team lang, e paano naman ang Qatar, sandamukal ang Naturalized player nila?

how come Qatari Sheik Saud Bin Ali Al-Thani (President of FIBA Asia 2006-2010) ignores the rule himself? :)

Like Lebanon, they have Joe Vogel
Japan - Eric McArthur
as for Qatar, it would take a formal protest with FIBA to validate these "naturalized" players. I think they are saying they are natural Qataris and not naturalized. So unless, a protest is filed, these reports would not be validated.

[donmar]

donmar, where did you get that info? Engelland was a naturalized Filipino back then. FIBA doesn't even allow imports during those times.

Here's Chip Engelland's statements taken from an interview:


"I would’ve been proud to play for the Philippines," he said in an interview in 1997. "I lived in Manila for three years, exploring the countryside and assimilating with the people. I love Filipinos and the Philippines. I remember I was a godfather at the baptism of a baby whose father worked as a waiter in one of my favorite restaurants. It was a life’s experience and I chose to become a naturalized player like many others in the basketball world. I didn’t expect to be caught in a political crossfire. When the EDSA Revolution happened, no one wanted me anymore. I was hurt and sad. I waited for the chance to go back but my phone never rang. I just think politics should never have entered the equation...."

By the time he (Arthur Engelland) got naturalized... the FIBA Asia tournament already finished and they're already preparing for the World Championship but the EDSA Revolution took place.... In the FIBA Asia Champions Cup, the Jones Cup, the World Club Championship and the PBA Reinforced Conference... Engelland was playing as an import... the reason he wasn't playing the FIBA Asia Championship is because he wasn't a naturalized Filipino yet... Danding Cojuangco and Ron Jacobs learned their lesson in the 1983 FIBA Asia Championship where they field Jeff Moore and Dennis Still... the Philippines were unbeaten in the elimination rounds but was penalized for fielding Moore and Still (both unnaturalized players at the time... 1983)... so the Philippines didn't make it to the play-offs but instead playing for 9th-12th place despite winning every single game.... In 1983, the Philippines became the first unbeaten national team in a FIBA tournament ever to finished 9th place and not even a bronze medal

[bolabasket]

By the time he (Arthur Engelland) got naturalized... the FIBA Asia tournament already finished and they're already preparing for the World Championship but the EDSA Revolution took place.... In the FIBA Asia Champions Cup, the Jones Cup, the World Club Championship and the PBA Reinforced Conference... Engelland was playing as an import... the reason he wasn't playing the FIBA Asia Championship is because he wasn't a naturalized Filipino yet... Danding Cojuangco and Ron Jacobs learned their lesson in the 1983 FIBA Asia Championship where they field Jeff Moore and Dennis Still... the Philippines were unbeaten in the elimination rounds but was penalized for fielding Moore and Still (both unnaturalized players at the time... 1983)... so the Philippines didn't make it to the play-offs but instead playing for 9th-12th place despite winning every single game.... In 1983, the Philippines became the first unbeaten national team in a FIBA tournament ever to finished 9th place and not even a bronze medal

I remembered we toyed with Italy in our first game during that FIBA Championship in 1983. The score i think was 94-75.

[donmar]

I remembered we toyed with Italy in our first game during that FIBA Championship in 1983. The score i think was 94-75.

I'm talking about 1983 FIBA Asia Championship... I think its in the World Club Championship or the Jones Cup... we beat them big time in those two tournaments!

[bolabasket]

I'm talking about 1983 FIBA Asia Championship... I think its in the World Club Championship or the Jones Cup... we beat them big time in those two tournaments!
Right there and there, Danding Cojuangco was looking ahead.

[ricodgame]

KG CAñALETA or JC INTAL

[bognut]

KG CAñALETA or JC INTAL

Intal should rise and be a star in the PBA!

[kerouac82]

KG CAñALETA or JC INTAL

Maybe, maybe not. Intal has better handles than Canaleta, not to mention his ability to play both guard positions. However, he would still need to bulk up if he is to play SF at the pro level. His outside shot could still stand some improvement. But if all goes well, Intal could very well be the next Meneses.

[saints13]

Intal is very promising :)

I hope he'll do well in the pro ranks..

but is there a player so far that is considered as a bigger Samboy Lim?

[Fil-Aus Boy]

Right there and there, Danding Cojuangco was looking ahead.
Yes he is.. He's even got horses here for racing... In Randwick... San Miguel Corp. also sponsored the famous Melbourne Cup... (partly, I mean...)

Sorry guys off topic... Can't help it but...

[pinoy pac fan]

JC Intal CAN NEVER be the next Smboy Lim. Although he may still be a good pro someday, Im still very doubtful of his overall talent.

Ateneo has produced great college players in the past, and they became good players in the pros. But in the last 20 years or so, many Ateneo college stars kinda flopped in the big leagues. Ateneo superstars like Alex Araneta, Jun Reyes, Richie Ticzon, Gabby Cui, Wesley Gonzales, Paolo Bugia, Rich Alvarez, Jeck Chia were very good as amateurs, but didnt have the same impact in the pros. The ones who had some measure of success were Olsen Racela, Vince Hizon, Rico Villanueva and LA Tenorio.

Maybe some of them dont have the hunger and fire in the belly, because they live comfortably already and trying to stay competitive in the PBA isnt a life and death situation. If theyre out of the team, so what? Theyre still gonna live well, they have money already.

JC doesnt seem to have that fire inside, that makes college stars become PBA stars.

The closest to Samboy right now was the DLSU version of Joseph Yeo. Back in college, when he got on a groove, he was playing at a 50% SamboyLim talent level. He still had less hops and less accurate jumpshooting than Samboy, but he was the closest to the Samboy Lim style I saw recently.

[saints13]

Yeo is already a benchwarmer in the Coca Cola unit.. :)

with the arrival of Kenneth Duremdes and Alex Cabagnot.. the usual starters including Joseph Yeo and Chris Pacana were spending more time sitting on the bench :(

[geo]

I remembered we toyed with Italy in our first game during that FIBA Championship in 1983. The score i think was 94-75.

what a glory years that was for us then, but sad to say for now our development in basketball is being overtaken by other asian countries. I dont even see an A team in our national team. The B Team of China could crushed our National Team, and remember that the B Team of China beat their A Team recently, so you can imagine how deep their development have gone that far. As for the Philippines, from the scale of 1-10 in terms of Basketball development, I can give them 4.:mad:

[saints13]

how bout James Yap being as quick as Helterbrand and as agile as Caguioa and as athletic as Kelly Williams.. definitely a NBA material :)

[bolabasket]

how bout James Yap being as quick as Helterbrand and as agile as Caguioa and as athletic as Kelly Williams.. definitely a NBA material :)

James Yap is a good player with potential for NBA. He still needs to develop fluidity in ball-handling like what Mark Caguioa does. For his size (6'3), he should be adept in such skill so he may qualify in the NBA.

[watiwawa]

James Yap is a good player with potential for NBA. He still needs to develop fluidity in ball-handling like what Mark Caguioa does. For his size (6'3), he should be adept in such skill so he may qualify in the NBA.

eh kung kay caguioa npunta ang height??? may nbasa akong article... kng mga 6'4 daw c caguioa NBA "10 day contract material" daw ehhh

[saints13]

eh kung kay caguioa npunta ang height??? may nbasa akong article... kng mga 6'4 daw c caguioa NBA "10 day contract material" daw ehhh

let me guess? :) that article came from a Filipino..lolz :)

[watiwawa]

let me guess? :) that article came from a Filipino..lolz :)

opo sir... pro kung ttgnan mo nman tlga dba... ewan ko lng kung uubra kaangasan ni ngopa sa america.... tska may pmunta d2ng scout..

[ctongco]

opo sir... pro kung ttgnan mo nman tlga dba... ewan ko lng kung uubra kaangasan ni ngopa sa america.... tska may pmunta d2ng scout..

Off-topic: Please do post in English as this is an international forum. We are in the Philippine Section but we are still required to use english. Read this (http://forums.interbasket.net/announcement.php?f=32).

On-topic: I do think that Mark Caguioa is offensively capable of playing in the NBA.

[kerouac82]

Off-topic: Please do post in English as this is an international forum. We are in the Philippine Section but we are still required to use english. Read this (http://forums.interbasket.net/announcement.php?f=32).

On-topic: I do think that Mark Caguioa is offensively capable of playing in the NBA.

Mark Caguioa is, yes, a legit offensive threat despite his lack of size. However, that very lack of size might prove to be a defensive liability unless he suddenly develops a Mookie Blaylock-type nose for the ball. His passing is also suspect. He could be a smaller version of Gilbert Arenas.

Danny Seigle could have been an NBA prospect (mid-2nd round) had he applied for the draft straight out of college. As it is now, there is a glut of players playing the same position with better skills and more athleticism.

Jimmy Alapag could be a sleeper if he decides to apply for next year's NBA draft. His defense is underrated and his hops are a testament to his excellent conditioning. His passing and offense are among the best among Asian point guards.

[saints13]

Mark Caguioa scores at will and can never be denied, he has the heart of a scorer (in vernacular term "BUWAKAW" or "BUWAYA") haha. Well, I hope he'll be more well rounded. I always see him as the smaller version of Fadi El-Khatib, if ever Caguioa with that kind of skills at his prime got taller, he really is an NBA material, maybe an NBA camp then a "to be decided" contract will do. :D lolz

[VII]

imagine samboy doing this in the NBA??
(especially since an american is guarding him)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=NkxmFwu1o1E

http://youtube.com/watch?v=0e1j4ZpOT-w

[donmar]

Chip off the old block




SPORTING CHANCE
By JOAQUIN M. HENSON




For the record, San Antonio Spurs assistant coach and shooting doctor Chip Engelland never played for the Philippine national team. He would’ve been eligible to suit up as a naturalized player in 1987 but never got the chance.

The Philippine Star

For the record, San Antonio Spurs assistant coach and shooting doctor Chip Engelland never played for the Philippine national team. He would’ve been eligible to suit up as a naturalized player in 1987 but never got the chance.

Last week, Engelland was in town and reunited with his former teammates in an emotional visit. It was his first trip back in 22 years.

Engelland joined two other naturalized players Jeff Moore and Dennis Still on the San Miguel team that won the Jones Cup in Taipei in 1985. He also played on the San Miguel team at the World Clubs Championships in Spain that year. Both tournaments were club, not national team, competitions.

Moore and Still, however, saw action for the Philippine squad that regained the Asian Basketball Confederation (now FIBA-Asia) title in Kuala Lumpur in 1986.

Under the FIBA rules at the time, a naturalized player was required a three-year notification to the secretary-general at the governing body’s headquarters before qualifying to represent his new country. The limitation was only two naturalized players could be enlisted by a national team. Additionally, a naturalized player must not have played for any other country as FIBA requires a player to suit up for only one country in his lifetime.

Engelland took out Filipino citizenship by naturalization in 1984. Moore and Still became naturalized citizens in 1982.

FIBA relaxed its rule on the three-year notification to accommodate the US team that recruited Nigerian Hakeem Olajuwon as a naturalized player for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Olajuwon was given instant eligibility and set a precedent for the future. In exchange for the relaxation of the rule, FIBA reduced the number of naturalized players in a national team to just one.

“We were ahead of our time by over 20 years,” said Engelland. “Now, other Asian countries are employing naturalized players. When we did it in the 1980s, it was frowned upon. There was nothing wrong in what we did as there is nothing wrong in what some countries are doing today. We played by the rules which allowed naturalized players. Now, I understand the Philippines is considering to recruit a naturalized player for the future.”

In the last FIBA-Asia Olympic qualifiers, Jordan paraded a naturalized citizen in Rasheim Wright and Lebanon in Joe Vogel. It was rumored that Qatar recruited several Senegal players but passed them off as locals.

Even Russia has recruited a naturalized player. President Vladimir Putin himself signed a decree to naturalize black American point guard J. R. Holden for the national team a few years ago.

There are several foreigners now playing in the country, all eligible for naturalization to play on the national team. The list includes Nigeria’s Sam Ekwe of San Beda College and Serbia’s Marko Batricevic of La Salle.

The EDSA Revolution abruptly ended the stay of Engelland, Moore and Still here. They were on holiday in the US when the new government took over Malacañang and were never asked to return.

Engelland, 46, said he struggled and started from the bottom in his basketball career after the Philippine dream went out the window. He played in minor leagues to earn a small living until Steve Kerr hired him as a shooting coach.

“I owe Phil Jackson a lot because as Chicago coach, he let me work with Steve,” said Engelland. “I had my own shooting camp called Chip Shots but it was my work with Steve that got me my reputation. Then, Grant Hill called and things began to work out.”

Moore found a playing job in Mexico where he became a Michael Jordan of sorts. “Jeff was an NBA-type of player,” said Engelland. “I’ve lost touch but someone told me he settled down in Mexico where he played into his 40s.”

As for Still, Engelland said he heard the burly University of South Alabama center now works for a construction company in Kansas City after a playing career in Argentina.

Engelland, the youngest of three and the only boy, said he got his nickname Chip from the old saying “chip off the old block.” His real first name is Arthur.

While he was in town, Engelland got together with former San Miguel and Northern Cement teammates like Hector Calma, Allan Caidic, Samboy Lim, Elmer Reyes, Joseph Uichico, Jerry Codiñera, Franz Pumaren and Pido Jarencio.

Three of Engelland’s teammates have died. They were his best friend Alfie Almario, Rey Cuenco and Teddy Alfarero. Engelland and his wife Jessica met Almario’s widow Irene Atayde and their four children for dinner during their visit.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=91271

[jfol]

what a glory years that was for us then, but sad to say for now our development in basketball is being overtaken by other asian countries. I dont even see an A team in our national team. The B Team of China could crushed our National Team, and remember that the B Team of China beat their A Team recently, so you can imagine how deep their development have gone that far. As for the Philippines, from the scale of 1-10 in terms of Basketball development, I can give them 4.:mad:

huh?is there another B TEAM from china that we dont know of?as far as I know rp team beat china B team twice in the fiba asia:confused:

[pachador]

i dont know why many people are dazzled by the NBA. This league promotes selfish values of one-on-one and individualistic highlight plays . This is a big departure from what basketball is originally meant to be which is to promote teamwork. its a team sport not a one-on-one sport. I hope the USA loses again in the FIBA or olympics so the NBA will be forced one day to revert back to FIBA rules and make NBA teams abandon individual plays. The notable exceptions are the Spurs and Suns who practice good team ball.

Look at all this filipino kids trying hard to imitate their NBA idols who are teaching the kids the wrong way to play basketball, and the PBA which also imitates the NBA rules has been contributing players to theRP national team that has not gotten anywhere just like the USA team. I hope the PBA will get rid of all those 'NBA' rules soon and revert to FIBA rules. The sooner the better.

[jfol]

good point.. but i think USA is hard to beat this time around..they just lost before because they did not send their best players..yes,they sent superstars but they were young superstars back then..sorry but we still cant deny that they really are still the best in basketball... what is at fault here is the PBA which follows the NBA rules but dont have the talent and most especially the height of NBA players..

[Lebron23]

USA will probably win the 2008 Beijing, Olympice their formitable opponent might be Team Spain. who is still currently dominating the Eurobasket Championship.

Top 4 Country in the World

1. USA
2. Spain
3. Greece
4. Italy

[armorpiercing]

a bigger jawo is better than steve nash!:cool:



i love to be a filipino and i'll live forever as a filipino!!!



A 7 FOOT RUDY DISTRITO NUMBER 29.

SINONG KAKASA?????!!!!!!

HAAAA??? ANO???!!!!!

translation ( THEY ARE NOT GOD, AND I WILL FLICK THE SWITCHBLADE TO FIND OUT)

[jfol]

A 7 FOOT RUDY DISTRITO NUMBER 29.

SINONG KAKASA?????!!!!!!

HAAAA??? ANO???!!!!!

translation ( THEY ARE NOT GOD, AND I WILL FLICK THE SWITCHBLADE TO FIND OUT)


i know someone who can beat your 7 FOOT DISTRITO..NO OTHER THAN A 7 FEET 5 INCHES DISTRITO!:D BEAT THAT!:D

Will I hear some one say 8 feet?:)

Peace Bro!:)

[snipes12]

wtf ... just keep on dreamin guys .. atleast its free ...

[crouchingtiger]

and I say a smarter J Henson will be the next pinoy Einstein:D