PLAYER AGENT DANNY ESPIRITU fancies himself as the type who never imposes his will on his client.
He says he gives advise only if solicited, but in most cases, his client ends up always having the last say.
In the case of Jason Castro, Danny said he has left it all up to the cager to decide whether to stay on and finish his 8-month contract with the Singapore Slingers or seek to be released.
“Since the next PBA season does not open till October, Jason can afford to stick around and observe what will happen in the next three months. If the ballclub pushes through with its alternate plans and stay busy, then it’s okay, since Jason will be making more money with the Slingers than in the PBA. But if the ballclub becomes idle, then I will convince Bob Turner and company to sell Jason’s contract to the PBA team that picks him in the rookie draft,” Danny said.
Of course Danny said it would be much simpler if Jason returns to Manila to join the PBA rookie draft scheduled this month.
The Asian Professional League, which will be formed by the owners of the Singapore Slingers, will be launched in March next year.
Meantime, to stay busy, the Slingers intend to join various leagues.
Danny intends to meet with the Singapore-based Paul Monozca when he flies to Manila this weekend.
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Some days ago, Jason called Danny to order P40,000 worth of signature T-shirts to be shipped to Singapore.
Jason said he will be giving out the T-shirts to Filipinos in Singapore who have been very kind and hospitable to him.
“Jason has been flooded with invitations left and right. Natataranta nga, hindi malaman kung paano pagbibigyan lahat. For sure he’s far from being homesick. Marami na daw siyang kaibigan,” Danny said.
As long as the Slingers stay busy, Danny said he has no complaints.
“The experience will be good for Jason. He will have the opportunity to travel and play in different places in Europe and Asia. Playing with and against tall opponents will also be good for him. Jason said his teammates are impressed with his agility, speed and quickness. He can breeze through their underarms like a flash during scrimmage. Ang bilis daw niya.”
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Not until I got a text notice from the PBA did I realize that the league’s MVP Awards Night was just around the corner. To be exact, during the fourth game of the best-of-seven championship series.
The Best Player of the conference and Best Import Awards will be presented before Game 3 of the series.
The text notice announced that voting for this season’s MVP, ROY, Mythical 5 and other individual awards will be held at the PBA office in Libis, Quezon City, from Aug. 10 to 12, with phone-ins accepted.
Following are the statistical standings in the MVP and Rookie of the Year races after Game 4 of the semifinal round of the Philippine Fiesta Cup.
Head statistician Fidel Mangonon said the final update will be submitted after the semifinal round. Only the top five veteran players are qualified for the MVP award and the top five rookies for the ROY award. The Mythical 5 will be culled from among the leading 20 players.
Sta. Lucia’s Kelly Williams, best player of the first conference, continues to lead the pack with 35.5 average statistical points. He is followed by Arwind Santos of Air 21 with 33.9 points and Willie Miller of Alaska with 33.3.
