Champion Aspac vows to defend Kobatama

Champion Aspac vows to defend Kobatama

JAKARTA (JP): Defending champion Aspac made a last-minute
inclusion of former National Basketball Association player Andrea
Spencer in its bid to retain the Indonesian league, Kobatama,
which reaches its final four this week.

Irawan Hariyono of Aspac said yesterday that Spencer -- who
joined the Sacramento Kings, Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers
during 1993 to 1995 -- will give new blood to the defending
champion, which will open its campaign against BS Nikko Steel on
Thursday.

"Spencer is a multipurpose player who looks comfortable in any
position on the court," Irawan said. The American will definitely
be included in the starting line-up in place of a local player,
Irawan added.

Aspac has already had two American players -- Bobby Parks and
Kenneth Travis -- strengthen its charge.

Thursday's opener at the Senayan Basketball Hall will also see
Panasia Indosyntex play newcomer Satria Muda. The winners of
Thursday's games will contest the final on Saturday.

"We don't have special preparation, but we'll win the final,"
Irawan boasted. "I think our chance is 75 percent to meet
Indosyntex in the grand final," he added.

Spencer, a player with San Miguel of the Philippines who is on
leave after the conclusion of the professional league there,
arrived here two weeks ago and has practiced with Aspac.

"I'm a friend of Kenny (Travis) and Bobby (Parks). They
invited me to come here during my vacation," Spencer said of his
Indonesian trip.

Irawan said that the preparation for the Kobatama final is
enough.

"Frankly, I'm focusing on the Merlion Cup in Singapore from
Sept. 2 to Sept. 8," he said.

The league administrator, Budi Rustanto, said that the three
matches will be aired live by local station SCTV and
international sports channel ESPN.

Organizers have moved the venue from the Senayan indoor
stadium to Senayan Basketball Hall due to the small number of
spectators.

Budi said that the organizing committee expects more than
4,000 people to attend the final. The tickets will be sold at Rp
5,000 (US$2.1) for the public and Rp 3,000 for students.

Speaking about his intention to resign from Kobatama, Budi
insisted that he would go on with his plan.

"Many officials don't want to give their time, thought and
money for the organization," he complained.

Chairman of the Indonesian Basketball Association, Harmoko --
who is also Minister of Information -- has yet to respond to the
row. (yan)