By Jerome Lagunzad
Former three-time NCAA season MVP winner Rommel Adducul and 19 other standouts from different fields earned a fitting distinction from Season 93 host San Sebastian College-Recoletos during a glittering opening rites yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The 6-foot-6 Adducul, now 41, emerged as one of three former ‘Baste’ standouts alongside Dr. Alfonso “Boy” Mora and current coach Egay Macaraya who shared center stage with other notable products from nine other participating schools.
But former pro league great Paul “Bong” Alvarez, who led the Golden Stags to a pair of seniors cage titles in the 80s, was nowhere to be found.
“Every school has to be represented by just two figures only. But we had three. Sobra na talaga ‘yun,” admitted NCAA president Rev. Fr. Nemesio Tolentin, OAR, of San Sebastian, adding the Management Committee had a tougher time coming up with the list of 20 achievers, some of them from different sectors outside of basketball.
“We could not include everybody kasi marami pa talagang notable and important icons who should be here. Pero sila lang ngayon ang nag-represent.”
Tolentin also defended the school’s choices: “Si Rommel, very notable kasi he led the school to five straight crowns.
Si Dr. Mora, part ng Baste team which won the school’s first NCAA title. Si coach Egay nag-champion rin naman (in 1985).”
Incidentally, the 6-foot Alvarez, a 16-year PBA veteran, found himself in hot water anew last month when he was caught red-handed by authorities in a drug session inside a barbershop in Brgy. Sikatuna Village, Quezon City.
Four members of the PBA’s 40 greatest players – current Mapua coach Atoy Co, Jose Rizal U mentor Vergel Meneses, and Letran’s pair of Philip Cezar and Kerby Raymundo – were also feted.
Joining them were former and current PBA stars like Arellano’s Jiovani Jalalon and Nard Pinto, Lyceum’s Gary David, Mapua’s Chito Victolero Letran’s Raymond Almazan, and St. Benilde’s Jonathan Grey and Sunday Salvacion. Emilio Aguinaldo College were represented by Christ Mejos and current Generals mentor Ariel Sison.
Businessman James Tan Sy of San Beda, board topnotcher Dr. Karl Mercader and military officer Rosendo Moro Dial of Perpetual Help, and radio jock Jhaiho from Lyceum were also recognized.