Pelita Jaya to give bonuses to players

Pelita Jaya to give bonuses to players

JAKARTA (JP): Big cash bonuses await Pelita Jaya players if
they win the Kobatama national basketball league championship
finals at the Senayan basketball hall this weekend.

Pelita Jaya's team manager Toto Sudarsono told a press
conference yesterday that the club's owners will provide the
cash, though he refused to say how much. He also refused to say
whether local players would receive the same amount as their
foreign teammates.

"Literally speaking, my boys can go shopping with their
bucks," Toto said. "Cash bonuses purely serve as incentives to
win the prestigious matches," he added.

Toto was the only team manager to come to the press conference
yesterday. League administrator Budi Santosa said all four team
managers were invited to speak during the conference.

Pelita Jaya finished third in the league after the fourth leg
this month in Malang, East Java. The Jakarta-based team is tipped
to meet second-place finisher and defending champion Hadtex of
Bandung in Friday's final four round at the Senayan basketball
hall.

League leader Aspac of Jakarta plays fourth-place BS Nikko
Steel of Malang, East Java, for the other berth in Saturday's
grand final.

"We are in the right shape to win the championship after
overcoming the grueling preliminary rounds," Toto said. "We even
expect a possible final matchup against Aspac," he added.

Pelita Jaya, receiving fresh blood with the signings of
Anthony Jones and Claude Moore, recorded 13 wins with five
losses. Defending champion Hadtex finished second with the same
record but with more goals scored.

Aspac is favored to reach its third successive grand final
this season with a nearly flawless record, beaten only once in 18
of its preliminary round-robin matches.

Also this weekend, two first division bottom feeders of the
10-field league will struggle to avoid demotion during round-
robin matches against two top teams from the second division.
(amd)