Happy Birthday, Bryant Punzalan ( Aug 24 )
Aris Garcia
Happy Birthday, Bryant Punzalan
1995 PBA Rookie Desft 5th overall pick
Feu Tamaraws center
3-season PBA player
2-team PBA big man
Source : Assorted Magazines (PBA Archives Collections)
BRYANT PUNSALAN
Royal Crown Cola is a relatively young team having been launched only last year in the PBL. Coach Joel Banal and the RC Cola management aren't really in such a hurry in shooting for the top. They know that their time will finally come. And that will happen when young players like Bryant Punsalan gain enough experience to battle the established stars of the PBL. As it is, Punsalan plays second fiddle to ex-pro Noli Banate in manning the slot for RC Cola. In fact, sometimes he's even the third center of Banal following Michael Otto, a 6-5 slotman who also plays for Far Eastern University. Bryant was recommended by Job Tolentino to the FEU Tamaraws three years ago. However, it seems he can't get the breaks with the Tamaraws as Victor Pablo clings to the starting job. "Maganda na rin dito sa RC Cola. At least halos lahat kami bata pa. Sina Noli, Aris Franco at Lawrence Merced lang talaga ang beterano. Si Ferdinand Ravena aakyat na sa PBA. Okay ang samahan namin dahil walang selosan," he said. Of course, Bryant knows that lack of experience has caused RC Cola to miss out on the semis of the past two tournaments in the PBL. But he is aware of the great potential of his team. Bryant was born on November 25, 1972 in Angeles City. He is the second of three kids (Edward, Bryant and Analyn) of Anthony Arrington and Naty Punsalan. elementary dave at Of course, Bryant knows that lack of experience has caused RC Cola to miss out on the semis of the past two tournaments in the PBL. But he is aware of the great potential of his team. Bryant was born on November 25, 1972 in Angeles City. He is the second of three kids (Edward, Bryant and Analyn) of Anthony Arrington and Naty Punsalan. He completed his elementary days at Don Cueco school before proceeding to St. Anthony College where he was introduced to basketball. From there, he went to FEU where he is currently taking up Management. "Marami rin ako'ng natutuhan kay coach Arturo Valenzona. Pero may naituro rin sa akin si coach Atoy Co nang nagpa-practice pa ang Crispa sa FEU Gym. Tinuruan niya ako ng pag-execute ng jump shot. Okay naman din daw kung matangkad ako at magawa ko ito." Under Banal, his rebounding skills were given priority. "Tinuturuan ako ni coach Joel ng pivoting at turnaround shots sa loob ng shaded area," he added. Bryant idolizes NBA players Dominique Wilkins, Charles Barkley and Karl Malone. Of course, he also hopes to make it to the PBA someday.
