By Reuel Vidal

ONCE in a while, I give way to readers with really interesting questions, comments and other non-violent reactions.

Sir,

I would just like to ask. Who would you rank better, Benjie Paras or Asi Taulava?

Mon Fernandez would be the best center of all time, but who would come in second? Paras or Taulava?

Indeed, Paras has more awards and championships. But Asi is dominant in every year he played. Centers are forced to bulk up because of him. Thus, he produces a major impact on how the game is played today.

Moreover, Taulava is still playing as an All-Star, whereas his contemporaries (Danny Ildefonso, Eric Menk) are in the twilight of their careers.

Sir, what?s your take on this?

Thank you

Sherwin de la Vega

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I agree that Fernandez is the best center of all time in the Philippine Basketball Association. But not in Philippine basketball. I would reserve that honor for Caloy ?The Great Difference? Loyzaga, who not only dominated the local scene but also earned international honors for the country.

As an aside, I believe that Fernandez should have won at least another Most Valuable Player award in 1989 when San Miguel Beer earned the coveted Grand Slam in winning all PBA titles up for grabs, but that?s another story.

It?s easy to be intimidated by Taulava?s imposing physical presence. But based on individual awards, PBA titles won and overall impact on the game when he was on the court, I would pick Paras ahead of Taulava.

Paras was able to play competitively against the first big wave of Fil-Am big men (Taulava, Menk, et al.), who were not only bigger but also stronger and faster. But those Fil-Ams played against an older Paras, who was slowed by age, weight and years and years of wear and tear in the PBA. And even then, Paras was still good enough to win a second MVP.

Paras versus Taulava? Easily Paras.

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Good day sir.

About two years ago, Chot Reyes was suddenly handed over the flagship San Miguel Beer coaching reins, replacing longtime coach Jong Uichico, who was subsequently moved to Ginebra.

After piloting the team to a runner-up finish against Uichico?s Rudy Hatfield-powered Ginebra squad that conference, Reyes was loaned to the SMC-backed national team to coach full-time. Gins assistant Siot Tanquingcen, who was earlier demoted in order to accommodate Uichico, was thrust into the San Miguel Beer coaching position to temporarily fill in for Reyes.

After his stint with the national team, it was expected that Chot would once again take over the head coaching chores for the Beermen. Basketball pundits were puzzled as to why Chot was mysteriously left on ?floating status,? given the fact that he was no longer active with the national team.

After several months, Chot was named TNT head coach. I wondered aloud how this could be possible when Chot was still technically under contract with San Miguel. Chot was then named TNT head coach sans any fanfare.

What really transpired between Chot and SMC management for him to suddenly ?fall from grace?? Who is ultimately responsible for making decisions regarding personnel changes within the organization?

Thanks again and best of luck to your column.

EJ Hemedes

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The word from the grapevine is that San Miguel management was not that impressed with Chot?s performance when he handled the national team. So, that is why he was never given back the Magnolia coaching reins.

Henry Cojuangco is the final arbiter of basketball matters in the San Miguel group of companies. He gets inputs from a lot of people, including former basketball players like Ely Capacio, Jong Uichico, et al.

Latest buzz from San Miguel camp: If Siot doesn?t win the championship or at least comes really close this conference, then Olsen Racela will be elevated to the head coaching job. How true? We?ll find out in a few months.

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If you want to find out how I sound like, please tune in to the KBP Golden Dove Best Sports Program on the radio, MBC Sports Center, 6:30 to 7 p.m., Sunday, over the no. 1 radio station in the country dzRH, 666 on your AM dial. And for comments, questions and non-violent reactions, please send your e-mail to reuelvidal@yahoo.com or reuelvidal@gmail.com.