By REY LACHICA
Manila, Philippines – Blackwater Sports, one of the three teams accepted by the PBA for next season, will have to look for another veteran player after one of its prospects – former MVP Kenneth Duremdes – declared he has no delusion of competing against the current stars of the league.
While he’s still capable of flashing the brilliance that won for him the MVP award in 1998, Duremdes said playing again in the PBA is no longer an option.
Aside from the age factor – he turned 44 last January – Duremdes, is very busy preparing his Adamson team for the coming UAAP season.
“Adamson is my priority for now, this is my first year with Adamson so I have to whip up team into a contender,” said Duremdes. “The pressure is high (being a coach) but I have to face the challenge and be patient.”
“I can still play the game but not to the level of what the current stars are dishing out,” said Duremdes.
Duremdes, who played for 14 years in the PBA, was a member of the All-Star team 10 times. He was also named as one of the “Greatest Players” during the league’s 25th Anniversary in 2000.
Still, Duremdes thanked Blackwater owner Dioceldo Sy for considering him to lead the team.
Although there was no formal offer, Duremdes said he was invited to join the team’s practice but did not show up.
Duremdes was one of the key players of Alaska when it completed a “Grand Slam” in 1996. He’s currently playing for the Senate team in the UNTV Cup where he’s one of the main attractions.
Aside from Duremdes, also being eyed by Blackwater is Marlou Aquino who also retired from the PBA several years ago.