Distrito a star cager in jail
By Beth Celis
Inquirer
Last updated 07:29am (Mla time) 10/22/2006
Published on page A26 of the October 22, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer
IT was an impromptu dinner invitation from longtime friends Elmer Yanga - this seasons UAAP commissioner - and his wife Esper.
Elmer said they were at a coffee shop along West Avenue -a place called Pastry Passion which is owned by daughter-in-law Shirley Santos-Yanga and is just a stones throw from where I live.
If youre at home and not doing anything, please join us for pasta, pastries, and a long overdue chat, said Elmer.
Since we had not gotten together for some time and the couple had motored all the way from their Cainta residence, I did not hesitate to say yes.
* * *
There was indeed a lot of chatting to catch up on. Just before the opening of the 2006 UAAP season, Elmer and Esper had flown to New York to attend their eldest son Jomers wedding. Before that, they made a side trip to Los Angeles and Carson City where they visited the Distritos.
Sadly, Rudy is still serving time in a Las Vegas jail while his wife Jo is working triple time to support their children and raise money for legal services.
Rudys incarceration has become much bearable, they said, ever since he started playing his favorite game with cellmates.
According to Elmer, two basketball teams play regularly in the Las Vegas jail. One is composed of Latinos, the other black Americans. Members of the two squads would constantly curry favors with Rudy, both fighting for his services.
Rudy has achieved star status on account of his cage prowess, Elmer said. Distrito makes a difference for the team he chooses to play for, he explained.
The Yangas were given the real dope on the Distrito case but they said this was not for public sharing.
While in New York, Elmer said he managed to touch base with former PBA cager Yoyoy Villamin who is now based there.
Yoyoy works as a driver in Brooklyn, I just forgot to ask if he was driving a taxi, a bus, or a private vehicle.
* * *
Long retired from RFM corporation where he was assigned by Joey Concepcion to look after his PBA team as manager and governor for more than a decade, Elmer is happy to be reactivated.
Theres going to be a ninth team in the PBL this season, Elmer happily announced. RFM is joining the league as a guest team which will carry Joey Concepcions popcorn product called Kettlecorn. I will be involved in the team.
Kettlecorn will be composed of UST players, the 2006 UAAP champions.
* * *
A popular UAAP cager, who played in this seasons finale, has incurred the ire of a PBL team owner who now has mixed emotions about the guy.
While the owner wants the cager badly, he is also completely turned off by his off-court antics.
He has an attitude problem. He has cancelled two meetings with my team manager. He tells people he doesnt need to play in the PBL, because hell still be the first pick even if he goes straight from the collegiate league to the pros. That boy thinks hes Gods gift to basketball, the owner said.
JSG
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