Ten years ago, Reynel Hugnatan merely accompanied a friend, who had wanted to tryout for a spot in the Negros Slashers roster.

Little did he know, the trip would be the start of a roller-coaster career in professional basketball, a move that has led to the realization of his dreams of playing in the Philippine Basketball Association. The Slashers were obviously impressed with Hugnatan's height and talent and asked him to return the next day and join the practice. After three sessions, he claimed a place in the team full of budding superstars and a number of veterans.

Hugnatan, who was a first year college student at UM when he was tapped by the Slashers in 1997, told the DAILY STAR that he decided to forego his studies and join the Slashers because he wanted to help his family financially.

The 28-year-old Hugnatan, who now plays for the Alaska Aces in the PBA, helped power the Slashers to the MBA title in 2002. He was named as Most Valuable Player and in the process merited attention from PBA scouts.

Hugnatan said that he only started playing serious basketball when he was a junior after being recruited by UM through the recommendation of Tobeza, who was a varsity at the Manila-based school.

"I only played in some inter-barangay tournaments before going to UM," he added.

The 6'4" Hugnatan took up his elementary education at the Tayabas Elementary School, before enrolling at Rafael B. Lacson Memorial High School for the first two years of his high school studies. He is the eldest of the four children of Raymundo and Nenita Hugnatan.

After the MBA disbanded in 2002, Hugnatan saw action for ICTSI-La Salle in the Philippine Basketball League for one conference, before entering the PBA Draft in 2003.

LIFE IN THE PBA

Hugnatan was drafted ninth overall by the Coca-Cola Tigers where he had three finals stints in his rookie season that was highlighted by the Tigers' victory in the Commissioner's Cup championship showdown.

The Talisay City-born cager said that he needed to adjust with his teammates and the environment when he first played in the PBA because the crowd in the MBA was more passionate.

"But playing in the PBA is a dream come true," Hugnatan, who idolizes four-time PBA MVP Alvin Patrimonio, said.

In mid 2004, Hugnatan and Coca-Cola teammate Jeffrey Cariaso were traded to Alaska for Ali Peek and John Arigo.

Hugnatan said that he is happier with Alaska because he is playing alongside fomer Negros Slasher compatriot John Ferriols, who was acquired from FedEx.

Hugnatan said that he will be practicing with the Aces starting today after missing six months due to an ACL injury he sustained last conference against the Purefoods Chunkee Giants.

The cager said that officials of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and the Basketball Association of the Philippines should unite in order for the country to compete in FIBA-sanctioned international tournaments.

"It's a big opportunity that we may be able to compete again in the international arena, but we cannot do that unless our basketball leaders will unite," he added.

FIBA suspended the country from international competitions in 2005 when the Philippine Olympic Committee expelled BAP from its roster. *CIT

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