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The Final Score: Hoopsters turned Helpers


Most basketball players are familiar with the concept of adversity, albeit the figurative variety. From the time they complete their first dribble, learn how to shoot and put on their first uniforms, they are trained to face challenges head-on. Typhoon Ondoy, however, exposed the sudden irrelevance of athletic adversity and the gravity of real-life danger to many sports personalities.

The basketball community mourns the loss of former PBA chairman and long-time Barako Bull team manager Tony Chua who died while trying to reach his family in Filinvest Subdivision in Cainta at the height of the typhoon. Chua did what any other father would do – try everything in his power to be there with his family even at the risk of losing his own life. Koy Banal was more fortunate. Like Chua, Banal clung to a tree somewhere in storm-ravaged Cainta while an angry flood attempted to snatch him away. The Purefoods assistant coach is now safe with his family. So many other basketball players and coaches have stories to tell and nightmares to forget. Jai Reyes, Jay-R Reyes, Leo Austria, Eddie Laure, KG Canaleta, Cris Calaguio, Freddie Abuda, Patrick Fran, Marvin Cruz, Dylan Ababou, Cholo Villanueva, Chester Taylor and surely many others all felt the savagery of Ondoy in varying degrees. The rest of the sporting world, although fortunate not to have houses ruined by muck, weren’t spared completely. If somehow the typhoon missed hitting them, it surely hit people close to them, people they know, people they love. In the anxious 48-hour stretch between Saturday morning and Sunday night, people who were safe and dry searched for family and friends who were coping, missing or dying. In the aftermath of the worst typhoon in decades, there’s an overflow of compassion from basketball’s humanitarians. Gabe Norwood, Sol Mercado, Jeffrey Cariaso, Larry Fonacier, Ali Peek, Nic Belasco, Mike Cortez, Tony dela Cruz, Joe Devance, Sam Eman, Sta. Lucia Realtors, Coca-Cola Tigers, San Miguel Beermen, Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters, sports broadcasters Jason Webb, Vince and Patricia Hizon, Lia Cruz, Miakka Lim, Reema Chanco, TJ Manotoc and many others are sharing time and resources in relief efforts across Metro Manila. Many refer to Ondoy as the grim equalizer. One can’t help but agree. The rich, poor, strong, meek, basketball player or basketball fan all felt its wrath. Many still feel its deadly stranglehold while you read this column. Those who lost family members, homes, cars, livelihood, other precious belongings and even their personal sense of safety will bear Ondoy’s brunt for years to come. So if basketball’s finest have all stepped up, shouldn’t you? The coach has called your number. You’ve been asked to help the team. It’s time to dig in. Wear your game face. Your idols have responded. This is your Michael Jordan moment. Gather your friends. Go out and volunteer. Share what you have. With hundreds who need help and lives on the line, it’s time to show what you’re made of. Go for it. Take that winning shot. - GMANews.TV