JEDDAH, 30 August 2006 — Veteran multititled coach Boy Corsega puts his impressive regional basketball record on the line when his Jeddah All-Star team face Dammam All-Star in the UMEA-WPBL Regional Invitational Basketball Tournament, which starts tomorrow at the Ahmed Kaki Sport Complex court here.
The visiting team from Dammam under the aegis of Arabian Consulting Engineering Center - D’ Consultants are expected to arrive here tomorrow morning for the two-game exhibition series.
There will be a simple opening ceremony to be followed by a 6:30 p.m. game between UMEA Selection and Huta Marine. The slam-dunk contest to feature three players from each side at 6:30 p.m. will precede the series’ second game on Friday. The team with the best cumulative scores over two days wins the championship crown and cash prize, according to chairman Rams Gunao of the organizing United Maguindanaoan Expatriate Association-Western Province Basketball League.
The event marks the first time in more than two years Jeddah is hosting a regional basketball tournament where the fans will be treated to highlight shows from some of the best Filipino cagers in the Kingdom.
As far as regionals go Jeddah have not had much success in recent years compared to Dammam although a team, which Corsega brought to the Eastern Province, won the Independence Cup regional tournament in 2005. Prior to that Corsega had a number of victories and his success as a regional coach dates back to his stint in Riyadh.
And Corsega is confident of another victory at the weekend clambake. He said his team now are physically stronger than the 2005 squad with the addition of five new faces.
Since the Jeddah All-Star team were formed they have played six practice games including one against the Saudi national junior team. Robert Punzalan of Semacs manages the team. Assisting Corsega in the bench are Amang Catador and Vincent Bicera.
Teams:
Jeddah All-Star — Madmad Martines 6’3” center, Lyceum University; Alejandre Hernandez 6’3”, off guard, Lyceum University/Blue Detergent (PBL); John Gatchalian, 6’2, center, Emilio Aguinaldo College; Dindo Garces, 6’2”, center, Batangas University; Joven Batuan, 6’1” power forward, Perpetual College; Louie Laxamana, 6’1” off guard, University of De Assumption; JR Villegas, 6’0” off guard, Lyceum North Eastern Univ.; Allan Cotungan, 6’0” power forward, Mindanao State University - Marawi City; Buboy Rapada 5’9” point guard, University of Manila; Nanding Unas, 5’9” small forward, Notre Dame University - Cotabato City; Omeng Sahagun, 5’8” point guard, Technological University of the Phil.; Yoyong Akmad, 5’8” point guard, Harvardian Colleges Cotabato City
Head coach, Boy Corsega; assistant coaches, Amang Catador/Vincent Bicera; manager, Robert Punzalan.
Dammam All-Star (Arabian Consulting Engineering Center-D’ Consultants) - Allan De Castro 5’10” guard, PBL-Batangas Blades; Wene Datungputi, 6’1”center-forward, University of Iloilo; Norlam Aquino, 6’2” center-forward, MBA- Batangas Blades; Omar Asmad, 6’2” guard-forward, PBL-Osaka/PCU Dolphins; Rolly Bisda, 6’0” guard, Pampanga Selection; Eldrin Simpas, 6’2” Forward, PBL-Spring Cooking Oil; Mon Hernandez, 5’8” guard, PBL - Agfa Colors; Efren Valencia, 5’9” guard, PYBL - Emilio Aguinaldo Colleges; Albert Arenoy, 6’4” forward, West Negros Colleges; Art Palima, 6’4” center, TIP University; Ishnoor Manabilang, 5’8” guard, San Sebastian College
Head of delegation, Rodel Bernabe; delegation spokesperson, Kim G. Cortez; Rosauro Oclarino, team coordinator; Art Farne, head coach; logistics official, Edgar S. Ret.
