Recruiting News

Even if Season 70 isn't over yet the recruiting wars for next season and even beyond are already ongoing.

Now it looks like everyone's trying to get Ryan Buenafe of San Sebastian.

DLSU has been tailing him like he's some spy. They've even been going through the Pasay City Mayor's office to get to the mother. Word from team sources is that the coach of the RP Youth Team told three of our possible recruits Buenafe, Nicolas Salva, and Justin Chua that if they want to play for the National Team then they must go to La Salle. Nagtatanong pa sila kung ano yung gusto nila just to play for them. ONE OF DLSU'S RECRUITERS -- THE GUY WITH FACIAL HAIR -- EVEN TOLD BUENAFE THAT WHEN HE GOES TO DLSU HE DOESN'T HAVE TO GO TO SCHOOL. IT'S THE SAME LINE FED TO THEIR PLAYERS. IN CASE YOU ALL DON'T KNOW, ONE OF THEIR PRO PLAYERS SAID A MOUTHFUL TO PLDT'S ATENEO BOSSES. THEY NEVER WENT TO CLASS.

AND ONE OF THE FALL GUYS NAMED IN SOME SCANDAL IS STILL DOING RECRUITING WORK FOR THEM. TSK. TSK.

So much for RELIGIO. MORES. CULTURA.

I think it's time that SBP adopt recruiting rules similar to the US NCAA. It is just getting so out of hand. I'm not saying that the American style is fool-proof, but it's a start.

What will Team A need? I'd say one more lowpost presence and shot blocker/rebounder to replace Zion and Ford. But look out for Jobe and Rabah. They'll get better. If Chua does go to us then that's one problem addressed. If Buenafe and Salva suit up then that should help with the scoring. And if our Team B player Gian Lucas (who plays the three-spot) finds his form after an injury, whoo! We're rooting for ya, Gian!

Personally, I figure Ken Barracoso will breakout next year. Should have been this year, but given the track record of our seniors, I'll still take my chances with him.

One last on our players...man, Ford Arao. Galeng talaga! Imagine if he played like that last year -- the ACL injury set him back confidence-wise -- and if we still had Japeth.

Regarding our Blue Eaglets, I think it's only Frank Golla who is graduating but if ever he's trying out for the team, he'll need to toughen and bulk up. Any prospects on that team? Well, unfortunately they're all guards and underclassmen -- Jay Dumrique, Juami Tiongson, and Kiefer Ravena. All three have excellent instincts.

Ael Banal can be good if he becomes more consistent with his shooting and expands his game. I figure he needs to learn how to take it to the hoop and develop a pull up jumper. Michael Jordan taught that to Rip Hamilton and he's been pretty much more dangerous since then.

Al Bugarin? Great nose for the ball and excellent moves inside the paint. Too small lang for the college game. But if he has some medium range shooting in him, who knows?

But the great news for the Eaglets is they're still underclassmen. They'll even be better next year!

HI TO OUR FRIEND AT THE US STATE DEPARTMENT!