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Telan shines with Shell

When Shell Velocity dealt Victor Pablo to Mobiline for Mark Clemence Telan and Bryan Gahol, a lot of people were surprised.

Despite the fact that it was a two-for-one deal, observers still felt that the Zoommasters were on the losing end. That�s because Pablo was an integral part of the squad that had won a pair of championships in the past two seasons.

Gahol was eventually dealt to Alaska Milk for shooter Brixter Encarnacion, who was earlier acquired by the Milkmen from Pop Cola.

In effect, Shell got Telan and Encarnacion for Pablo. Of the two, though, most people felt that Encarnacion had the more potential. That�s because he was picked highly during the 1998 Draft. For a 6�4� guy, he has speed and a good outside touch.

However, five games into the 26th PBA season, it appears like it is Telan who is shining so bright. In fact, coach Perry Ronquillo said that he now has found one player who can fill up his starting unit.

Contrary to earlier notions that the 6�5� Telan would simply be a reliever of 1999 Most Valuable player Benjie Paras, the former La Salle Green Archer will actually replace Pablo.

�Mark could turn out to be a bigger version of Vic because he also can operate inside, he has the medium range shot, he can shoot from as far as the three-point area and he can also defend. He is also quick for his size,� said Ronquillo.

Last Friday, Telan stood more than his actual height as he posted career-highs in three aspects of the game. He tossed in 18 points and had four blocked shots in 44 minutes of play.

He would never have been able to post such numbers if he had remained with the Rhummasters because there, he would always play reliever to the likes of Eric Menk and Earl Sonny Alvarado.

Telan, who started out with the Mapua Tech Red Robins under Horacio Lim, played for the Philippine Youth squad, handled by Virgil Villavicencio six years ago. That squad finished sixth in the Asian Basketball Confederation (ABC) 19-and under tilt held in Manila. From there, Telan hooked up with the La Salle Green Archers in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and with the Stag Pale Pilsen (later remaned Tanduay Rhum) in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL).

He was one of six players elevated to the pros by Tanduay Rhum coach Alfrancis Chua last year. In several matches, he showed that he can be a good defensive player. Likewise, he had scored 16 points in one match last year which stood out as his previous career-high.

�Nagpapasalamat na rin ako at na-trade ako sa Shell Velocity. At least, kahit paano ay nagagamit na ako nang husto dito. Kailangan din na magpalaki pa ako ng katawan nang kaunti para mas makasabay ako sa malalakas na center ng PBA,� said Telan.

Most people say that guys like San Miguel�s Danilo Ildefonso and Manila Metrostars� Rommel Adducul, who were teammates on the RP Youth squad, have overtaken Telan in terms of achievements on the hardcourt.

That may be true at the moment. But Telan is certainly catching up fast.�

(Source: Manila Times, April 3, 2000)