Johnny Abarrientos: Greatest Filipino Point Guard Ever

Manila, Nov. 2, 1997 - The Philippine Star's Joaquin Henson stirred local basketball aficionados with the story of Johnny Abarrientos being recruited as possible temporary replacement for injured Charlotte Hornets veteran Muggsy Bogues.

If that materializes, the Alaska star will become the first Asian to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Henson writes that Abarrientos met Friday with Charlotte international scout Joe Betancourt to discuss the possibility of the Alaska guard joining the Hornets in January. Present at the meeting were adviser Anton Montinola and Alaska coach Tim Cone .

Betancourt said "Charlotte is the right team for Johnny. My goal is to be able to bring the first Asian to the NBA."

"I will recommend signing Johnny to a ten-day contract, we'll pay for his airfare and all his expenses. If there's a chance for Johnny to play in the NBA, it'll be with Charlotte. It's important to have someone in the organization batting for him. An I am pitching for Johnny to make it.

Coach Tim Cone said Alaska will not get in the way of Abarrientos playing in the NBA. "We'll lose games without Johnny, but we're willing to sacrifice for his sake. It's a great opportunity for a Filipino."

Betancourt will be back in early January with a contract for Abarrientos, who described the deal as "a dream come true."