JEDDAH, 28 February 2003 — The formidable squad of the Jeddah All Stars (Junastar Cargo Services) headed by Jun Astillla swept the finals of the FBA 2003 Haj Goodwill Games held at Sheraton Compound Basketball Court in Jeddah.
Organized by the Filipino Basketball Association (FBA) the three-day championship series, was witnessed by a jam-packed crowd. The visiting team of (Al-Mishari Eagles) Riyadh Selection was sponsored by D. Abdurahman Al-Mishari Hospital through Dr. Muhammad Lito Astillero. They arrived in Jeddah with basically a strong and younger team to fulfill the commitment of the Basketball Association of Riyadh (BAR) to FBA President Gil Manese.
The Riyadh delegation included Executive Vice President Biox Manilum, Commissioner Jess Vinluan, Coach Bert Herrera, Team Coordinator Rey Ruiz and Team Adviser Dr. Lito Astillero. The Al-Mishari Eagles players were Rex Capati, a former member of the Pampanga Selection, Jovan Roble, Ike Cortez & Erick Villatema all former players of the University of Visayas from Cebu City, Rodney Esguerra and Rey Vitor from FEU, Dennis Almario from Holy Angels University, Cyrus Ruiz of Central Negros University, Jeffrey Salac of Bicol Saro, Anonoy Esguerra and Aris Palmero of Samglas.
The members of the Jeddah All Stars (Junastar Cargo Services) who made to the finals were Alvin Serrano, a former reserve player of the Pampamga Dragons, veteran point guard Omeng Sahagun, Jhong Rapada, a former University of Manila cager, Dante Rivero from Jose Rizal University, Ricky Camaniag from FEU, John Gatchalian from Westin Jeddah, Dindo Garces, from the University of Batangas, Frankie Lastimoso of Chowking, Abril Mabarit of Al-Tayar Plastic Co. and Rayan Cruz of NAI-Juffali. Team officials were Jun Astilla (team manager), Pros Manlapig (assistant team manager) and Boy Corsega (coach). The first game between the two quintets was won by Jeddah All Stars (Junastar Cargo Services) 68-60. The second game was quite close and more exciting because Al-Mishari Eagles were able to catch-up with the early 17 points lead of Jeddah and led by as much as three points following the efforts of Capati, Cyrus Ruiz, Rodney Esguerra and Dennis Almario.
But with still plenty of time remaining, Cyrus Ruiz fouled out and Riyadh eventually lost the game for the second time in a row. The third and final game in Industrial City was also won by the Junastar Cargo Services (Jeddah All Stars). The awarding ceremony which was graced by prominent KASAPI Congress officers and community leaders.
Members of the mythical five in the event were Aris Palmero of Al-Mishari Eagles and Alvin Serrano of Junastar Cargo Services (best guards), Abril Mabarit and Rey Vitor (best forwards) and John Gatchalian (best center and MVP). Best Coach award went to Boy Corsega.
The organizing committee headed by Gil Manese, Hernan Huerto and Lito Martin expressed their thanks and appreciation to the participating teams and the principal sponsor of the 1st Samsung — 15th FBA Basketball Tournament for the success of the FBA 2003 Haj Goodwill Games and all who in one way or the other contributed to the success of the event, including other members of the organizing committee Lando Santelices, Raymond Caleon, Jr., Jimmy Narciso and Ben Garcia (anchorman), Benjie Asa, Danny Gulapa.
