By MARK REY MONTEJO
Two months before it formally starts its second season, the Shark Billiards Association (SBA) will open its door once again for the aspiring stars as it holds its 2nd Rookie Draft on July 29.
With extended efforts from founder Hadley Mariano and his team, SBA is going to launch its search for the next big thing in PH billiards, having produced some of greatest players in the past, foremost of them are Efren “Bata” Reyes and Django Bustamante, to name a few.
“Magagaling [‘yong mga draftees]. We have the most volume of really good players here in the Philippines compared sa ibang bansa, kaya I’m very confident,” said Mariano during Tuesday’s PSA Forum which is presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Smart/ PLDT, and the countrys’ 24/7 sports app ArenaPlus.
“Siguro ngayon ang nakasali sa draft namin, a little over one hundred players… sana in the future makadagdag tayo ng teams kasi andami- dami nating players talaga,” he added. “Kasi naging successful ‘yong unang season natin eh.”
From four teams, this year’s edition would have five squads which will clash for glory in the much-longer tournament that is projected to be completed in five months – two longer in the inaugural edition.
Also six players will be allowed for Season 2 on Sept. 15, where the additional one will serve as a reserve.
At the forefront of September’s joust are reigning champions Taguig Stallions, who are composed of Edgie Geronimo, Dimples Quinay, Emong Cunanan, Bryant Urdaneta Saguiped, and Plong-plong Pulpul under the tutelage of coach Jaynard Orque.
The Stallions hoisted the Chino Trinidad Championship Trophy after rallying past the Manila MSW Mavericks in their best-of-five finals series, 3-2.
Other teams who took part were Quezon City Dragons and Negros Occidental Pillars. Makati is the newest member of the family,
“Wala kaming prize money for players, it is similar to what PBA or other sports leagues are doing, may salaries ‘yong players which I think removes ‘yong negative pressure like hindi na pag natalo sila wala na silang kakainin mamaya,” Mariano continued.
“Ngayon more on a madidisappoint ‘yong team nila, owner, ‘yon ‘yong goal, we leave that to the team owners kung magbibigay sila ng prize money,” he added. “Pero samin pag nanalo ‘yong team, we give the prize money do’n sa team owner.”
The tournament is set to be a point system round-robin format where each squad vying the other at least thrice in three events – King of the Hill, Doubles, and one-on-one – which will eventually bring the leading groups to the finals.
