THERE are clear differences between the way collegiate hoops and professional basketball play out and fans should have a ball trying to take in all the nuances.
I agree with fellow columnist Tommy Manotoc that there seems to be a thrill-a-minute in the college game. Even turnovers are exciting because the young players in the UAAP and the NCAA are still really learning the ropes. They make atrocious decisions at times, often neglecting the score, time and game situation which Ronnie Magsanoc points out as indispensible in the basketball mind game.
There are some players in the college game who were years above their youth when they played college ball. The following come to mind: La Salle’s Renren Ritualo and Joseph Yeo, Ateneo’s LA Tenorio and Larry Fonacier, Perpetual Help’s Scottie Thompson, Letran’s Kevin Alas, Far Eastern U’s Mac Belo and several others who have moved on to become excellent professional players.
The noise of the college game also makes it a delightful sporting context. Many coaches abhor the unceasing drum-beating because relaying instructions to players on the floor has become difficult. Some have adjusted with hand signals and sheer lung power.
Players have told me that even in the din of the college game they can hear their coach’s voice; it’s like hearing your father’s admonition when you try to sneak into the house at dawn.
School passion is the most vibrant ingredient of the collegiate hoops as communities, not just students are involved. The battle lines are clearly drawn by colors, cheers and banners. Seating arrangements are almost always clearly marked for each side and it’s very rare that one ends up trying to cheer for your team while the whole section you’re in roots for your opponent. The school hymns at the end sung by both winner and loser add a sacred finish.
I don’t expect the corporate teams of the PBA to suddenly start singing hymns at the end of their game. The pro league is unique and three facets make it different from college ball. First, the coaching level has always been challenging to the mentors. The great ones have learned to master its nuances while the also-rans can’t wait for another chance to fence with the champion coaches.
That’s because of the second reason. The player mix is a fan’s delight and a coaching dilemma. There are great individual performers like Calvin Abueva, Jason Castro, June Mar Fajardo, Arwind Santos, Terrence Romeo and others. Managing their veteran smarts, talents and playing time with an import to consider as well provides fans with an opportunity to see talent management play out on a basketball court.
College stars can’t wait to see how good they are and mix it up with the greats. The PBA is the final landing spot for a Philippine basketball career. Fans love this as well as they anticipate the arrival of the college stars in the pro ranks.
Third, the fans come from all walks of life. Many have been longtime supporters of teams and players, dating back often to childhood years. Every day a fan approaches me on the street or the LRT to say they have been PBA fans for ages and very often the teams that have been around the longest have the most ardent fans.
In my many years of calling games, I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to cover the UAAP and the NCAA and for 16 seasons now, the PBA. Each league has its own characteristics, strengths and shortcomings that make them great shows. We’re fortunate to have all kinds in this basketball-delirious nation. Enjoy them and continue to spot the differences.
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