IS there life after PBA for the ex-pro players?
From the looks of it, players like Ronjay Buenafe, Sunday Salvacion, Chito Jaime, Bonbon Custodio, Mac Andaya and Al Vergara had found a sanctuary playing for Hobe Macway in the Marikina City Basketball League (MCBL).
Mr. Buenafe, who is still vying for a spot with the NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA, is using his stint with Hobe Macway to get himself in better condition. He is currently training with the Road Warriors where he is given the chance by his long-time head coach Yeng Guiao.
“I’m working on my conditioning so when my name is called, I’ll be ready. I’m just waiting for the right opportunity since Coach Yeng hasn’t decided yet. Right now, the most important thing is get myself in tip-top shape,” Mr. Buenafe told BusinessWorld.
For Mr. Buenafe, playing in the MCBL is a good way to keep him on top of his game as he’s facing ex-PBA players, top amateur players and collegiate standouts, including imports.
“The quality of competition is high. This is one way of keeping me sharp and on top of my game. We have the top amateur players competing, we also have imports here,” he added. “This is a good league because you’re going to learn a lot.”
Mr. Jaime, a 6-foot-3 forward, last suited up for Kia in the PBA, and just like Mr. Buenafe, he has not given up hopes getting back to the pros.
“I’m still hoping to make it to the PBA again. Life in the PBA is different. If ever there’s an opportunity I will grab it,” added Mr. Jaime, who played for Mr. Guiao at Rain or Shine.
For Messrs. Salvacion, Vergara and Andaya, playing for Hobe Macway in the MCBL is not only a sanctuary for ex-PBA players. It also provides the most important thing — food for the family.
“We have to work for our family,” said Mr. Salvacion.
Mr. Salvacion was part of the Mighty Sports champion team in the William Jones Cup, which also served as his ticket meal to his return to the PBA where he had a brief stint with GlobalPort. But his old injury prevented him on the rigorous activities of daily training and games in the pro league.
“My injury prevented me from coming back. My body is not used to the everyday training any more, so playing for Hobe Macway is good for me. I’m still playing in invitational leagues like in Isabela, then in Butuan. You can’t veer away from the game because this is the one you love doing the most. As long as I can play, then I will do it,” added Mr. Salvacion.
Mr. Vergara, a point guard who played briefly in the PBA before strutting his wares with the Singapore Slingers in the NBL in Australia, is thankful that he’s still being given a chance to play.
“I’m thankful to be given an opportunity playing for Hobe Macway in the MCBL. If you’ll look closely, the MCBL is like the ABL as you have imports playing at the same time,” added Mr. Vergara.
Mr. Andaya, the 6-foot-9 big man who played for Barako Bull, Rain or Shine and Air21 among others, had already embarked a career in showbiz, but still goes back to the game he loves the most.
In the MCBL, Mr. Andaya, who plays the role as Pido, leader of the Tamawo in the prime time show Super Ma’am, became a fan favorite.
“It’s because of Super Ma’am, Marian Rivera’s show in GMA-7. I’m given added exposure. I’m happy for the positive feedback, but more importantly, I’m happy that ex-PBA players like us are being given the chance to continue what we love doing the most — playing competitive basketball,” added Mr. Andaya.
For Hobe Macway team owner Bobby Co, giving ex-PBA players an opportunity could mean two things — better mileage for his squad and a chance for these players to get their way back up to the pros.
“It’s good for our team because we’re bringing in players who have become household names in the PBA. At the same time, we want to help them achieve their dreams of going back to the PBA. We welcome them to our team,” said Mr. Co. — Rey Joble
