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Hec Calma: Master of Consistency
September 1989
Choosing the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the just-concluded PBA war won by San Miguel Beer over Purefoods may yet proved to be more difficult than what the Beermen did to the Hotdogs in Game Six of the titular series.
But after the smoke of battle had cleared, two beermen – four-time MVP Ramon Fernandez and flashy playmaker Hector Calma – stood all over the rest. Fernandez, as expected, led the Beermen in statistics. He averaged 22 points, 8.8 rebounds and had three steals as he lived up to expectations as the heart and soul of San Miguel’s successful campaign.
But there was more than having shining stats. When it comes to consistency, the 5’9” Calma, emerged as the best. In fact, the wily court-general was master of consistency during the series as he oftentimes bailed the Beermen out of trouble with his perimeter shooting, and of course, masterful set plays.
Listen to coach Norman Black after Hec’s demolition job in the 6th game. “Hector’s super as usual.” Well said Norman. And how about the 6’4” Fernandez? Fernandez, on course for his fifth MVP plum, did not only deliver the points. He grabbed the rebounds, issued assists but most importantly, provided the leadership which the Hotdogs sorely lacked. “Mon never lets us down,” quipped Black when asked on Fernandez’s worth to the team.
Many agreed, however, that without Mon on the floor, San Miguel could not expect to win over the Hotdogs. This happened during the fifth game where Fernandez trooped to the bench with six fouls.
So, will it be ‘El Presidente’ or the ‘Director’ ending up as the series’ best player? Hard choice, isn’t it? After all, San Miguel would not be a champion team for nothing.
Neat Lesson
San Miguel Beer made it plain and clear: It takes more than talent to win a PBA All-Filipino championship.
For sure, Purefoods, like San Miguel, has ample supply of the stuff. Unlike the Beermen, however, the Hotdogs lacked experience and seasoning to sustain their title drive.
Yes, the Hotdogs were hungry for their first ever PBA title. But, the Beermen were equally hungry for their first ever All-Filipino crown.
So, in the final reckoning, poise and cohesion did the trick for San Miguel. Talking about these traits, Ramon Fernandez readily comes to mind.
The PBA’s only four-time MVP was not at his fearsome best during the aborted best-of-seven title playoffs, yet, safe to say, he spelled the difference. His mere presence inside the court, motivated other Beermen to raise their level of competence while, at the same time, evoking anxiety and apprehension among the Hotdogs.
In Fernandez’s own words, “You can’t win championships half-cooked. Talent alone is not enough. You need experience.” Well said. The Franchise rarely talks. When he does, it makes sense.
Move out
The PBA is indeed an unparalleled success. While other forms of entertainment are reeling from low attendance, the PBA is finding it hard to accommodate its burgeoning followers.
In fact, thousands of devotees, many of them from far-flung places, were denied access to the sardine-packed ULTRA during the recent All-Filipino finals. Demand for tickets soared to a mind-boggling hundred grand and so did their prices. Scalpers never had it so good as reserved seats were gobbled even for an atrocious thousand bucks.
True, commissioner Rudy Salud instituted measures like the installation of a giant screen at the adjacent football field to appease the disgruntled throng who failed to gain entry. But by nature the effectivity of such measures are only temporary. Pretty soon diehards will clamor fro live action and the PBA is in no position to grant it – the ULTRA is filled to the rafters.
The growing PBA family must moved out of its cramp house if it wishes to accommodate more guests.
Softdrinks Battle
Let's welcome the "softdrinks battle" in the PBA.
Last Tuesday, the PBA board headed by chairman Rey Marquez formally accepted the application for membership by RFM-Swift and Pepsi-Cola, bringing the number of competing teams to eight come the 1990 Season. The last time the PBA had eight teams was during the 1983-84 season.
RFM will carry the name of Cosmos. Although concessions given to Cosmos and Pepsi are not yet clear, their addition attests to the PBA's tremendous success.
After two conferences (Open and All-Filipino), the PBA seems headed for another banner year. The league earned P7,416,154 in the Open Conference compared to P6,003,208 in 1988 in gross gate receipts. The Best-of-Seven series between eventual champion San Miguel Beer and Purefoods in the Fiesta All-Filipino resulted to a gate gross receipts of P7,646,830.
Last year's Anejo-Purefoods tussle which was a best-of-five series grossed P6,207,005.
Commissioner Rudy Salud said that Cosmos and Pepsi's applications were accepted with the 'league's competitive balance in mind.' With new additions, the country's favorite pastime is expected to be more exciting and interesting.
It remains to be seen though which team - Cosmos or Pepsi - will click during their rookie year. In the meantime, let's drink to the PBA's continued success.
September 1989
Choosing the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the just-concluded PBA war won by San Miguel Beer over Purefoods may yet proved to be more difficult than what the Beermen did to the Hotdogs in Game Six of the titular series.
But after the smoke of battle had cleared, two beermen – four-time MVP Ramon Fernandez and flashy playmaker Hector Calma – stood all over the rest. Fernandez, as expected, led the Beermen in statistics. He averaged 22 points, 8.8 rebounds and had three steals as he lived up to expectations as the heart and soul of San Miguel’s successful campaign.
But there was more than having shining stats. When it comes to consistency, the 5’9” Calma, emerged as the best. In fact, the wily court-general was master of consistency during the series as he oftentimes bailed the Beermen out of trouble with his perimeter shooting, and of course, masterful set plays.
Listen to coach Norman Black after Hec’s demolition job in the 6th game. “Hector’s super as usual.” Well said Norman. And how about the 6’4” Fernandez? Fernandez, on course for his fifth MVP plum, did not only deliver the points. He grabbed the rebounds, issued assists but most importantly, provided the leadership which the Hotdogs sorely lacked. “Mon never lets us down,” quipped Black when asked on Fernandez’s worth to the team.
Many agreed, however, that without Mon on the floor, San Miguel could not expect to win over the Hotdogs. This happened during the fifth game where Fernandez trooped to the bench with six fouls.
So, will it be ‘El Presidente’ or the ‘Director’ ending up as the series’ best player? Hard choice, isn’t it? After all, San Miguel would not be a champion team for nothing.
Neat Lesson
San Miguel Beer made it plain and clear: It takes more than talent to win a PBA All-Filipino championship.
For sure, Purefoods, like San Miguel, has ample supply of the stuff. Unlike the Beermen, however, the Hotdogs lacked experience and seasoning to sustain their title drive.
Yes, the Hotdogs were hungry for their first ever PBA title. But, the Beermen were equally hungry for their first ever All-Filipino crown.
So, in the final reckoning, poise and cohesion did the trick for San Miguel. Talking about these traits, Ramon Fernandez readily comes to mind.
The PBA’s only four-time MVP was not at his fearsome best during the aborted best-of-seven title playoffs, yet, safe to say, he spelled the difference. His mere presence inside the court, motivated other Beermen to raise their level of competence while, at the same time, evoking anxiety and apprehension among the Hotdogs.
In Fernandez’s own words, “You can’t win championships half-cooked. Talent alone is not enough. You need experience.” Well said. The Franchise rarely talks. When he does, it makes sense.
Move out
The PBA is indeed an unparalleled success. While other forms of entertainment are reeling from low attendance, the PBA is finding it hard to accommodate its burgeoning followers.
In fact, thousands of devotees, many of them from far-flung places, were denied access to the sardine-packed ULTRA during the recent All-Filipino finals. Demand for tickets soared to a mind-boggling hundred grand and so did their prices. Scalpers never had it so good as reserved seats were gobbled even for an atrocious thousand bucks.
True, commissioner Rudy Salud instituted measures like the installation of a giant screen at the adjacent football field to appease the disgruntled throng who failed to gain entry. But by nature the effectivity of such measures are only temporary. Pretty soon diehards will clamor fro live action and the PBA is in no position to grant it – the ULTRA is filled to the rafters.
The growing PBA family must moved out of its cramp house if it wishes to accommodate more guests.
Softdrinks Battle
Let's welcome the "softdrinks battle" in the PBA.
Last Tuesday, the PBA board headed by chairman Rey Marquez formally accepted the application for membership by RFM-Swift and Pepsi-Cola, bringing the number of competing teams to eight come the 1990 Season. The last time the PBA had eight teams was during the 1983-84 season.
RFM will carry the name of Cosmos. Although concessions given to Cosmos and Pepsi are not yet clear, their addition attests to the PBA's tremendous success.
After two conferences (Open and All-Filipino), the PBA seems headed for another banner year. The league earned P7,416,154 in the Open Conference compared to P6,003,208 in 1988 in gross gate receipts. The Best-of-Seven series between eventual champion San Miguel Beer and Purefoods in the Fiesta All-Filipino resulted to a gate gross receipts of P7,646,830.
Last year's Anejo-Purefoods tussle which was a best-of-five series grossed P6,207,005.
Commissioner Rudy Salud said that Cosmos and Pepsi's applications were accepted with the 'league's competitive balance in mind.' With new additions, the country's favorite pastime is expected to be more exciting and interesting.
It remains to be seen though which team - Cosmos or Pepsi - will click during their rookie year. In the meantime, let's drink to the PBA's continued success.
Last edited by Mon23 on Fri Mar 18, 2011 9:03 am; edited 1 time in total
