Cebuano’s skills catch eye of Ginebra coach

By Jase S. Violeta
Sun.Star Staff Reporter

Ronnie Bughao might become the latest addition of Cebuano basketball talents in the Philippine Basketball Association after he impressed newly reassigned Barangay Ginebra head coach Jong Uichico in the first day of the 2006 PBA Rookie Camp at the Philsports Arena.

Bughao, an ex-San Beda Red Lions starter, logged a near triple-double of 12 points, nine assists and nine rebounds in the Red team’s 98-99 loss to the Yellow squad.

"He's the type of guy that we need. But we'll see," said Uichico of Bughao.

Good post up

Uichico also revealed that Mark Isip, the 24-year-old ex-FEU Tamaraws forward and Mythical First Team member in last year's UAAP season, will likely land in the first round of the Philippine Basketball Association Annual Rookie Draft.

"He’s got good post up moves and good footwork. Very impressive. He's definitely a first round material," said Uichico.

Isip scored 20 points to take team scoring honors, hauled down six rebounds and had two assists, helping his Yellow Team beat the Red Team, 99-98.

Selected

Even coach Al Chua of Sta. Lucia Realty and Alaska mentor Tim Cone agreed that Isip will be selected in the first round.

"I'll take him if he's got no takers. But I don't think he'll be available when our turn comes," Chua, whose team owns the first and sixth picks in the first round.

Chua has openly declared that they are set to exercise their No. 1 draft right on Isip's Far Eastern U teammate Arwind Santos.

Kelly Williams, the lone Fil-Am aspirant in the Aug. 20 Rookie Draft and another player expected to be selected among the Top 3, was also impressive.

He tallied 17 points but his offense was overshadowed by his defensive skills.

The 6-foot-7, 215-pound forward, who was given a lot of playing minutes by coach Art dela Cruz, highlighted his game with three steals, two shotblocks and nine rebounds.

Poor start

Magnum Membrere a former Ateneo Blue Eagle who played for the Yellow Team, had a poor start but picked up his rhythm in the second half, and went on to score 14 points including a 4-of-8 shooting from three-point range. He also had six assists and seven rebounds.

In the other game, former PSBA standout Manuel Caceres scored 15 points and hauled down nine rebounds while California-born and St. Francis of Assisi stalwart Chris Pacana added 14 as the Blue Team routed the Green Team, 100-59.

Seven of the 10 Blue players of coaches Mon Jose and Boybits Victoria actually scored in double figures. (With PBA Media Bureau)