Indosyntex's Jameson to miss Final Four

JAKARTA (JP): Panasia Indosyntex is to exclude its newest recruit Shawn Jameson, the LA Clippers first-round pick for the NBA 1996-1997 season, from today's National Basketball League Kobatama final four because he is too much for his local teammates.

Indonsyntex manager, Suwadi Bing Andi, described the American center as a great player "whose standard is two levels above that of our local cagers."

The final four, to start today at the Senayan Basketball Hall, pits defending champion Aspac of Jakarta, 1994 champion Indosyntex of Bandung, BS Nikko Steel of Malang and Satria Muda of Jakarta.

"His jumps, dunks and aggressiveness are extraordinary. None of our locals match his skills," Suwadi said. He added that Jameson is much better than his fellow American Gerald McDonald and Nigerian-born Emeka Okinwa, who are already in the Bandung team.

Suwadi predicted that if Jameson played, he would be the sole driving force which determined the team's victory while his outclassed teammates would just help him reach "his" victory.

"Teamwork is, for us, more important than victories," Suwadi said, "If we win because of his exceptional individual skills, we will feel as if we have bought the victory, which should never be the case."

Suwadi said that despite the money his team paid to bring Jameson here, the Bandung side had to send him home last Saturday after he stayed with the club for just two weeks.

Jameson was shocked to learn of his dismissal, according to Suwadi. "This is the risk we have to take if we are to maintain our professionalism," Suwadi said.

Satria Muda coach Cecep Firmansyah shared Suwadi's view. He said that in basketball, teamwork, instead of individual skills, should determine victory.

This, however, is an idea that Aspac manager Irawan Haryono rejects. "Everyone knows, and statistics have shown, that foreign signings hold at least 50 percent of the share in a club's victory. If our local players work hard and learn a lot from their imported teammates, why should we shun the foreigners in the name of teamwork?"

Irawan added that the foreign players' individual skills also serve as a morale booster for local players during critical times. (arf)