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Philippines, 19 May 2024 |
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NBA -- The Pelicans: A symbol of New Orleans? resurgence By Bernard Pagusara PhilBoxing.com Wed, 19 Feb 2014  NEW ORLEANS -- After LeBron James grabbed his second NBA championship at the expense of Tim Duncan and Tony Parker?s San Antonio Spurs, my wife Maricris and I along with our friends went to South Beach, a glitzy and decadent enclave in the outskirts of Miami, Florida. While enjoying the waters, a big brown bird with a long wide beak glided over, casting us in its shadow as it dove at an outrageous speed before submerging itself completely in salty waters. Then it reappeared, fresh catch in tow. Dinner is served. That bird, a pelican, was all too familiar to us who hail from New Orleans, Louisiana. That's the bird that New Orleans Pelicans team owner Tom Benson named his team after. Nine years ago, New Orleans was devastated by hurricane Katrina, plunging the ravaged city under water and leaving its inhabitants in dire straits, a painful memory that was relived when Yolanda pummeled Tacloban, Philippines. What Benson saw in a brown Pelican was the story of his city. It plunged in deep waters only to rise again. The said bird is depicted in the seal of the great state of Louisiana. Legends tell tales of a Brown Pelican in its nest, pecking its own skin to feed its young. Such resilience is stamped in the flag of the state, and such resiliency is what Benson tries to depict. Much as it is not the best name for a mascot, it is a true stamp of New Orleans, and one that resonates in the career of its current general manager, Dell Demps. A year ago, a week after Eric Gordon, Al Farouq Aminu and Chris Kaman came to town to replace the irreplaceable point guard Chris Paul, I saw Dell Demps pacing inside a local Best Buy store. Recognizing him, I called out in whisper, ?Dell Demps?? Smiling shyly yet confidently, he said, ?Yes.? As one avid basketball fan and a true sports enthusiast, I engaged the former PBA import who recalled his days with 7-Up and Pepsi. When the opportunity allows it, he said he still hangs out with his former coach and friend Derek Pumaren and Derek's younger brother Franz. He explained how he loves Makati, and while working with the D-League?s Austin Toros, the Philippines was his vacation spot. Sadly, the rigors of his job no longer allows him as much free time as he likes. But he is no doubt happy with the path his basketball life has taken, from PBA import in the Far East to general manager of a team in the world's most prestigious pro basketball league. Like Benson, Demps, knows a lot about rising above life's challenges. (BP) Click here to view a list of other articles written by Bernard Pagusara.  |
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