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BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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January 11, 2018
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Balkman’s 2nd chance
FIVE years since he was meted a lifetime ban by the PBA, former NBA player Renaldo Balkman is making his return to the Philippines – this time to play as import for Tanduay Alab Pilipinas in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL).
Balkman was banned from the PBA after he choked Arwind Santos of then Petron Blaze Spikers (now San Miguel Beermen) during a game in 2013.
The 33-year-old forward said he regretted what he had done to Santos and admitted that he used the incident to improve his attitude while playing as import in other countries.
“[I am] thankful for another opportunity to do what I love to do here in the Philippines,” Balkman said. “Five years to the day I did something I regret and I learned a valuable lesson from it.”
“I intend to become the best role model possible here for Alab,” he added. “Always remember to keep your composure and be the best role model you can be. Now I finally have a chance for redemption.”
Balkman is expected to be a huge help to Alab with his six-year NBA experience with the New York Knicks and the Denver Nuggets. He has also suited up for the Puerto Rico national basketball team.
Alab head coach Jimmy Alapag said he did not think twice on tapping Balkman. Just like any other people, Balkman also deserved a second chance, he said.
“[It’s] just like when I chose Ivan,” Alapag said, referring to former TNT KaTropa import Ivan Johnson, who was previously banned from the PBA, too, for arguing with Commissioner Andres Narvasa.
“We all make mistakes sometimes,” Alapag added. “But I choose to hold my judgments until I have a personally experienced them myself. I just want to give him a shot at redemption.”/PN
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