No BCAP hurdle for Compton

BASKETBALL buffs must have expected a strong protest from the Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines (BCAP) following  the appointment of Alex Compton as head coach, replacing Luigi Trillo.

BCAP president Andres “Chito” Narvasa Jr. had been flooded with phone calls as early as last Sunday from people who wanted to know if the local coaches’ group would take steps to block the Compton appointment.

Alex is an American citizen.

Much to our surprise, Narvasa was very calm and even in good spirits as he told the Inquirer that the BCAP has no  interest in pursuing any action against Compton “or any other foreign coach who has obtained legal status in the Philippines.”

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“I know that Alex is married to a Filipino and has very strong ties with the Philippine community,” said the BCAP head, who will be appointed chief executive officer of Citystate Savings Bank this June.

“He legally resides here. His case is no different from that of Norman Black and Tim Cone. I also know that Alaska team owner Fred Uytengsu will never tolerate such a situation where laws here will be violated.”

“Please note that the BCAP has already established jurisprudence on this matter,” Narvasa said, hinting that ballclubs can refer to the established guidelines if they want to hire foreign coaches and not have any problems with the BCAP.

Incidentally, word has it from a source close to Alaska that Uytengsu was prompted to let go of Trillo because he could not get along with the players.

Compton won his first assignment as head coach when Alaska defeated an importless Talk ‘N Text.

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The Kia tryouts have started in earnest at Sta. Lucia East Mall Gym in Cainta.

Manny Pacquiao, who hopes to be a playing coach for the team, sent out a public invitation to PBA players who will be in the rookie and dispersal draft to try out, so he would be able to evaluate them.

Pacquiao said he intends to form a fast-running team that sprints down even on defense.  “I want skilled players who are fast and won’t dilly-dally in getting back down in defense,” he said.

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HOOPVINE: The Nonito Donaire Jr.-Simpiwe Vetyeka fight in Macau is only a few winks away … We saw on video the backbreaking routine Donaire had to go through to prepare himself for this bout, which he is confident of winning … Before he gets back to work, Luigi Trillo intends to spend time with his family.