ALTHOUGH he can’t exactly remember the name, but one person came to mind when Vergel Meneses was asked who among the current crop of PBA players reminds him of his old self.
While admitting he rarely watches PBA games since he retired from playing almost two decades ago, the eyes of the former MVP and one of the 50 Greatest in league history lit up as he described the player.
“May isa akong player na nakita na medyo hawig sa kilos natin. Yung sa Rain or Shine,” said the third-term mayor of Bulakan, Bulacan.
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As one mentioned the name Adrian Nocum, Meneses nodded in agreement.
“Ayun si Nocum. Medyo ganun.”
Nocum indeed, has drawn comparisons with Meneses, who goes by the moniker ‘Aerial Voyager,’ and the late Avelino ‘Samboy’ Lim in playing style as he’s also been known for his devil-may-care drives and acrobatic acts for which the two PBA Legends became known for.
Meneses, 56, and a three-time PBA champion said technology especially in this social media era somehow helped today’s generation get to know how they were as players during his time.
Old clips and reels helped basketball fans of today measure current players from the past.
“Siyempre natutuwa rin ako. Ang tagal nang panahon, 2006 nung nag retire ako. But through social media, may mga gumagawa ng highlights natin, hindi lang ako, pero pati rin yung ibang dating players,” said the three-time Best Player of the Conference awardee, four-time All Star MVP, a 10-time All-Star, and two-time member of the Mythical First Team.
“Napakalaking tulong nito. Puwedeng magandang inspirasyon din ang mga ito para dun sa mga bata.”
Meneses was among the many players who attended the 50th PBA grand homecoming on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
He was able to mingle with some of his contemporaries such as Johnny Abarrientos, Allan Caidic, Bong Hawkins, Jojo Lastimosa, Jeff Cariaso, Alvin Patrimonio, Rodney Santos, and even former coach Yeng Guiao.
Nocum incidentally, also plays under Guiao at Rain or Shine.
Asked about him and Nocum also possessing good looks, Meneses had an impish smile.
“Wala na lipas na,” he said.
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