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Singsons latest additions to PBA "Dribbling Siblings" circle
by Nelson Belran

THERE'S a new addition to the fast-growing list of playing brothers in the Philippine Basketball Association.

The new members of the group are Mandaue pride Ramon and Dale Singson after the latter -- the younger of two -- joined the PBA bandwagon, donning the Shell Velocity jersey in what turned out to be the Zoom Masters' last two games in their failed title defense in the Alaxan All-Filipino Cup.

The older Singson, who's better known as Montoy, provided the initial show in the country's premier pro league when the former Lhuillier Jeweler in the old PABL days strutted his stuff for one season with Sta. Lucia Realty in 1994.

With Dale Singson acquired by Shell in a mid-season buyout deal with the Iloilo Megavoltz of the MBA, the Singsons became the latest addition to the league's "dribbling siblings circle" which counts the Cezars (Philip and David), the Loyzagas (Chito and Joey), the Pumarens (Dindo and Franz), the Cleofases (Benjie and Joy), and the Capacios (Ely and Glen) among its more illustrious members.

For the record, two basketball-playing families have had three siblings all making it to the PBA. These are the Codi�era (Jerry, Harmon and Pat) and the Tierra (Edmund, Marty and Adonis).

Meanwhile, brothers who are both in the active roster are Dwight and Elmer Lago and Danny and Andy Seigle.

Other brother pairs who saw action in the league include Jing and Noli Aldanese, Alex and Boy Clari�o, Jojo and Danny de Guzman, Romy and Reuben de la Rosa, Patrick and Raymund Fran, Ricric and Bong Marata, Totoy and Joey Marquez, Edward and Peter Naron, Molet and Ricky Pineda, Arnie and Calvin Tuadles, Cristino and Alberto Reynoso, and Vernie and Victor Villarias.

Montoy jumped into the pro bandwagon a bit late after playing alongside the likes of Jojo Lastimosa and Samboy Lim during their days in Lhuiller. Nevertheless, Singson was drafted in 1994 on the fourth round and eventually signed a one-year contract with the Realtors at 28.

Many jokingly labeled Montoy "gun shy," since his first option on the hardcourt was to shoot instead of to pass, not exactly an admirable quality of a good point guard, a position assigned to him by coach Nat Canson.

Montoy was actually rediscovered by the late Tembong Melencio who took him into the national team that retained the cage crown in the 17th Southeast Asian Games in Singapore in 1993.

He wasn't re-signed by the Sta. Lucia management after the 1994 season but Montoy had no regrets. After all, despite his age, he fullfilled his dream of playing in the PBA someday.

Then came brother Dale.

Shell worked vigorously to acquire Dale from the Iloilo ballclub of the MBA a week back in a bid to strengthen its baccourt lineup and in the process, shore up its chances for the quarterfinal round of the PBA All-Filipino Cup.

Alas, the Zoom Masters weren't able to check their slump despite the arrival of Dale, losing two games with the former Megavoltz ace in tow, as they took an early exit in the tournament which they won in a grand fashion last year.

"Kaya nga medyo masama ang loob ko dahil out kaagad kami. Hindi man lang kami nakaabot sa quarterfinals. Ginawa ko ang lahat ng makakaya ko para makatulong, kaya lang wala talaga sigurong swerte ang Shell ngayon," said Dale.

Shell coach Perry Ronquillo blamed their woeful showing in the tournament on injuries that hit his players. "Look, we only played four games with a complete lineup," he said.

On Singson, Ronquillo had only good words.

"He's a bright prospect and I consider our acquisition of the player a steal with the fact that at least four teams tried to get him from the Megavoltz. He'll surely enjoy big minutes alternating with Gerry Esplana at the point," said Ronquillo.

Singson averaged 7.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists in the two PBA games he played so far. He made an impact in their knockout game with Barangay Ginebra Sunday when he drained three treys, triggering a a fierce Shell rally that had the team trimming 17-point first quarter deficit to only one in the fourth quarter.

Singson's efforts, however, went for naught as the Zoom Masters self-destructed down the stretch, allowing the Gin Kings to salvage the win and the last slot in the All-Filipino quarterfinal round.

A part of the UST squad that dominated UAAP basketball for years, Singson isn't likely to be demoralized by this, though. After all, he's known to be a fighter, a trait that may well assure him of a place in Shell's scheme of things for years.

(Source: Philippine Star - May 11, 2000)