ALEX Compton may have moved across borders years ago, but Philippine basketball has remained close to his heart.
The former Alaska head coach and Gilas Pilipinas deputy to Tab Baldwin was in the country for a brief visit and did a few odd things for the 2024 NBTC, including a gig in the broadcast booth as an analyst in one the games.
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The role made him remember and reconnect with friends in the local basketball scene where he was big part for more than 30 years.
While he proved highly capable analyzing plays, Compton was caught off-guard when asked to name his all-time PBA starting five.
But it didn't take him long to say two names.
June Mar Fajardo & Johnny Abarrientos
"June Mar Fajardo for the center, and Johnny Abarrientos for one. I'm a huge fan of these two," he said. "These are my mainstays."
Coach Compton continued: "Now this is when it gets more challenging... One will never be ready for this."
There was a long pause before he spoke again.
Allan Caidic
"I'll put coach Allan Caidic there on two, he's the best shooter in history," he said. "Sinabi ko sa kanya, when I walk into any gym I feel like I'm the best shooter. But the only time I'd feel that's not true is if he's in it."
Eric Menk & Ranidel de Ocampo
"Should be Eric Menk on the four, and RDO (Ranidel de Ocampo)... one of the smartest players. He can post up, he's tough, and he understood the game like a point guard. Intelligent, and high IQ."
Compton said he's certain if these guys played together, they'd give any opponent a hard time.
"All of them have the guts to make the big shots, it's going to be hard to beat that team."
The 50-year-old former coach also bared he's happy to visit the country after he and his family migrated to the States during the pandemic.
Basketball fans first saw Compton in the 1998 MBA with the Manila Metrostars where his team was twice champio. He was also adjudged MVP in 1999. It was followed by a stint in the PBL. In 2008, he joined the Welcoat Dragons and then afterwards, started his coaching career, first as assistant coach at Rain or Shine, then Coca-Cola and at Alaska.
It was at Alaska where he became head coach for six years, beginning 2014. He coached the team to five finals appearances but lost them all.
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