Bits and Trivia: Crispa's 5 Greatest Imports

Article originally posted by Jay P. Mercado in Sports Potpourri last April 2020.

Bubbling Under: Glenn Hagan (1982 Reinforced Conference runner-up)

5.  Larry Demic (one championship)

This choice might surprise several fans especially since Demic was never known as a prolific import. Apart from that, he was a replacement for the more offensive-minded DeWayne Jay Scales and didn't exactly post huge numbers. But Demic was a logical choice because he became the perfect complement to Billy Ray Bates, the more heralded reinforcement in Crispa's 1983 Open Conference campaign. Unlike Scales who oftentimes got Bates off rhythm on offense because he needed the ball to be effective, Demic was the silent, more efficient type who loved to do the dirty job inside.

The former #9 pick of the 1979 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks, Demic essayed a defensive role, ideal in a Tommy Manotoc system. Because Demic was willing to play the secondary role and give way to Bates' amazing talents, the combination worked perfectly, allowing Crispa to sweep their Finals series against Norman Black and the Great Taste Coffeemakers and winning their second grandslam. His one-on-one defense against GTC's big import, Dawann Scott, was a key factor in Crispa's series dominance.

4.  James Hardy (one runner-up finish)

Another legitimate first round NBA draftee, the 11th in the 1978 NBA Draft, by the New Orleans Jazz, gave Crispa fans so much hope at the start of the 1981 Open Conference after several debacles. The Redmanizers have not won an import-flavored conference the past 3 seasons, their last being the 1977 Open Conference that had Cyrus Mann and good buddy, Ricky Hicks, reinforcing them. Hardy had all the impressive credentials, and he played true to form from the getgo, towing the team to a league-leading 13-5 record after the elimination round. More importantly, Crispa had reason to feel good as they finally found a player who can match up against Toyota's Andrew Fields, who by then was regarded as the gold standard among big imports. Hardy not only posted impressive numbers but more importantly, served as Crispa's anchor on defense with his shot-blocking skills.

It was unfortunate that Hardy suddenly "disappeared" in the Finals series against Toyota (their last one in PBA history), forcing Coach Baby Dalupan to give more floor burn for erstwhile Toyota import, Byron "Snake" Jones. A shadow of his old self, many fans speculated that Hardy was already disinterested after reports came out that the now Utah Jazz was offering him a contract to fly back to the US to play for them during the off season. Hardy was obviously the missing link in the Finals won by the Super Diesels, 3-2, and many believed that if Hardy played true to form, Crispa would have won that series.

James Hardy foiling Tefilin's Larry Pounds stab (photo c/o Crispa Redmanizers FB page)

3.  Al Green (one championship)

The PBA introduced the first Reinforced Conference in 1981 which featured a height limit for imports. 4 teams were allowed to bring in imports no taller than 6'5, 4 other teams were allowed up to 6'3 imports, while Toyota and Crispa were given a 6'1 handicap. The Redmanizers brought in the high-flying Al Green, a 3rd round draft pick of the Phoenix Suns in the 1979 NBA Draft, and never regretted their decision. It turned out that despite his diminutive size, Green played taller than his height because of his high-leaping abilities. He was an exciting player who can dunk the ball authoritatively and can penetrate the lanes easily because of his athleticism and speed.

Many felt Green's presence would impact negatively on Crispa's local rotation but Coach Baby opted to use Green more at either SG or SF, allowing Atoy Co and Bernie Fabiosa to retain their minutes. A tenacious defender with a knack for coming up with timely interceptions, Green compensated for his lack of shooting ability with his daring drives and open court basketball wizardry. He led the Redmanizers to a splendid Game 3 victory, 116--112 over the U/Tex Wranglers courtesy of back-to-back and one plays against 6'3 import, Leroy Jackson, catapulting Crispa to a crucial 2-1 lead, before winning Game 4, 124-119, to win the first Reinforced tournament.

Al Green stole the ball and came away with an easy lay-in. (photo c/o Crispa Redmanizers FB page)

2.  Cyrus Mann (three championships)

Cyrus Mann is regarded as the first dominant import ever to play in the PBA. Mann first played as part of the visiting Palmeiras team of Brazil who came over for a series of exhibition games against PBA teams back in 1975, Coach Dalupan and team manager Danny Floro were in unison that they needed an imposing defensive presence inside and the 6'10 Mann fitted the bill. He joined Crispa in tandem with Bill Bunton in the 1976 Open (2nd) Conference and quickly made his presence felt, particularly on the defensive end. He ruled the interior, blocking every single shot available and collared the boards menacingly. While his PBA averages weren't exactly eye-popping (18 ppg and 13 rpg), it was his shot-blocking ability that made him a feared adversary as tall imports like Bill Bozeat of YCO/Tanduay and Dan Knight of U/Tex found out.

The former 4th round pick of the Boston Celtics in the 1975 NBA Draft, the then 20-year mastodon powered Crispa to its first grandslam in the 1976 season. He became a three-time champion in the 1977 Open Conference when he practically served as Crispa's lone import the entire conference as his good friend, Ricky Hicks, turned out to be a lemon, going up against the likes of John Irving and Sky King of Toyota and Snake Jones of U/Tex. Mann came back in 1978 and 1979 but there were reports that he was already a junkie, forcing Floro to fire him after failing to lead Crispa in the 1979 Open Conference Finals. No one can argue though that Mann was the first gold standard among all imports in the PBA as he was perfect for Crispa's high-octane offense with his natural yet superlative defensive abilities.

1.  Billy Ray Bates (two championships)

This was the easiest choice as Bates is regarded as the greatest PBA import of all-time, and no one even comes close. Much has been said about the Black Superman's exploits, but did you know that Coach Tommy Manotoc once described the 6'3 former 3rd round pick of the Houston Rockets in the 1978 NBA Draft as only 70% of his real game when he first played in the Philippines in 1983? In 1980, while playing for the Portland Trailblazers, Bates averaged an impressive 25 ppg in the playoffs and even improved on this by averaging a scintillating 28.3 in the succeeding playoff season - it remains to be a franchise record for the Rip City. Bates was so dominant in the PBA that he led Crispa to 12 straight victories in the Reinforced (2nd) Conference before losing to the Donnie Ray Koonce-led San Miguel Beer team.

Management had problems with Bates' nocturnal activities as he was often seen in various nightclubs consuming gallons of liquor almost every night. Yet, Bates remained dominant, scoring in the 50's regularly while toying around with the defense given to him. There were occasions when his superstar teammates would feel frustrated as Bates hogged the offense. Yet, despite the thin line they were treading, the team was able to find ways to achieve their common objective. And Bates only knew too well that nothing less than giving Crispa its second grandslam was the ultimate target.

  The PBA's GOAT import with a massive jam (photo c/o Crispa Floro Redmanizers FB page)