Fiba tourney bidders down to 6

WE RECEIVED word of PBA legend Lim Eng Beng’s death just the other day.

It wasn’t too long ago that we bumped into Lim at McDonald’s Quezon Avenue where we took time to chat and reminisce the time, three decades ago, when Mike Bilbao and Joaqui Trillo were his teammates at La Salle.

The trio must have been only in their late teens or early 20s then.

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Although it had been reported that he  was afflicted with the Big C, one never  suspected that the former King Archer  was very sick.

There was still spring in his steps and he bustled with youthful energy. Looking at him, I was convinced he was already cured. He looked well and laughed heartily and talked animatedly.

But Beng disclosed that he still received regular treatment from a specialist in Singapore who had promised to help prolong his life.

“He said I could go anytime, but I will  not be confined to a sickbed,” Lim said. “When my time comes, the angels will just pick me up.”

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From the original 10 countries, the number of bidders for Fiba’s final Olympic qualifiers, slated in July next year, is now down to six. These are Germany, Serbia, Italy, Turkey, Czech Republic and the Philippines.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Manuel V. Pangilinan said the other day that everything seems to be in order because they have not heard from the Fiba   after submitting the requirements for the Philippines’ formal bid.

The winning country-hosts for the three Fiba tournaments will be announced in January next year.

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HOOPVINE: PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa, PBA chair Robert Non of San Miguel and outgoing PBA CEO Chito Salud attended the recent PBA Press Corps Christmas party, adding prestige  and glitter to the annual celebration…Also in attendance were the NLEX Road Warriors coaching staff headed by coach Boyet Fernandez…Incidentally, NLEX president-CEO Ramoncito Fernandez has   replaced Ricky Vargas at Maynilad for the same posts while Rod Franco has been promoted to NLEX president-CEO…Vargas will be holding office at First Pacific Investment Corp. in Makati.