JEDDAH, 26 December 2003 — The 9th Seiko-17th FBA Basketball Tournament ended with a big bang at Ittihad Sports Club with four great teams emerging champions in their respective divisions.
Hanco Maintenance (Bona fide A) of Douglas Brown & Edgar Ainza, King Faisal Specialists Hospital-Experts System (Bona fide B) of Ali Abdullah, E, Mila Saballe & Eden Castillejo, Solid North (Non Rated) of Corlito Obtinalla and Experts Internet Solution (Open Rated) of Abdullah Al Dakheel, Boy Corsega and Eli Sarmiento were the winners.
Twenty-two teams participated in the event. The management of the Filipino Basketball Association (FBA) is headed by Gil Manese, Hernan Huerto and Lito Martin.
In his welcome remarks, Manese expressed thanks and appreciation to all who contributed to the success of the event. He promised to make the next tournament, the 10th Seiko-18th FBA Basketball Tournament tentatively set to start on Feb. 6, 2003 a better one.
Adjudged as winners in their respective categories (team & individual categories) are: Bona fide A Division: Champion Team: Hanco Maintenance, 1st runner-up: NAI-Juffali, 2nd runner-up: Unilever-Axe, 3rd runner-up: Junastar Cargo Services. Members of the mythical five are Ryan Cruz (best center), Norman Huerto (best forward), Richie Estrada (best forward) Buboy Rapada (best guard), and Nonoy Dones (best guard). MVP — Richie Estrada. Best Coach: Edgar Ainza. Bona fide B Division: Champion Team: King Faisal Specialists Hospital-Experts System, 1st runner-up: Al-Majal Service Master, 2nd runner-up: Dr. Erfan Bagedo Hospital, 3rd runner-up: Saudi Oger Ltd. Members of the mythical five are Pat Cecilio (best center), Noynoy Soliveres (best forward), Alex Carpio (best forward), Buboy Rapada (best guard), and Julius Consignado (best guard). MVP — Pat Cecilio. Best Coach: (Francis Solmeo).
Non Rated Division: Champion Team: Solid North, 1st runner-up: Bridgestone, 2nd runner-up: Marawi Wizards, 3rd runner-up: Country Lounge & Café.
Members of the Mythical Five are Neri Lacuata (best center), Pablo Vizcayno (best forward), Romulo De Guzman (best forward), Amin Bahartha (best guard), and Larry Sunga (best guard). MVP — Larry Sunga of Solid North. Best Coach: Emooi Sobrepena.
Open Rated Division: Champion Team: Experts Internet Solution, 1st runner-up: Cali-Ice, 2nd runner-up: Seiko. Mythical Five members: John Gatchalian (best center), Alvin Serrano (best forward), Leo Almoite (best forward), and April Mabarit (best guard) Omeng Sahagun (best guard). MVP: Dante Rivero. Best Coach: Boy Corsega.
Rookie of the year (Nonoy Dones), Most improved player (Nonoy Soliveres), Best team managers: Leo Rivera of Unilever-Axe and Noel Atienza of Wartsila.
Best team coordinator goes to King Faisal Specialists Hospital (Experts System).
Teams who wish to join the next tournament may call Manese at 6686578 or 059794751 or Lito Martin at 6636936 X 302 and 058662434 for registration. Tournament format: Inter-Company Bona fide, Open Non Rated, Inter-Hospital and Inter-Cargo.
