Spotlight on Gin Kings’ Jeff Chan and Bolts’ Cliff Hodge

In our basketball-crazy country, PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) players are mobbed like movie stars. So there’s a thin line between PBA and show biz. That’s why some cagers turn into actors when they retire from the professional league.

The PBA Governors’ Cup finals between Ginebra San Miguel and Meralco Bolts will start on Jan. 7. Will the Gin Kings intoxicate the Bolts, or will the Meralco boys electrocute Barangay Ginebra?

After Gilas Pilipinas bagged the gold medal at the SEA Games, our players have proven that PBA is a breeding ground for champions.

As excitement for the finals builds up, I thought of featuring Jeff Chan of Ginebra and Cliff Hodge of Meralco, who both have “artistahin” looks. They can change court and foray into show biz if they feel like it. But for now, the star ballers’ eyes are on the prize. Let the best-of-seven duel begin!

Here’s my chat with Jeff (J) and Cliff (C):

Q: What’s the toughest part of playing against the other team?J: They have a good import to match ours. They might also be just as hungry or even hungrier for a championship, and they have added good players.

C: Aside from Ginebra having a great lineup of players, one of the best PBA coaches ever, and a do-it-all import, I still think their biggest advantage is the Ginebra fans. It’s like having homecourt advantage every game.

Q: How do you handle victory and defeat?J: Always with humility and prayers. I’m grateful to experience winning and losing. I know that this is not forever. It’s part of being a player. Plus, my family is always there to offer hugs and kisses, regardless of the result of the game.

C: Honestly, in a series, you handle victory and defeat the same way, the only difference is, you’re either happy or sad. You can’t let those emotions linger because you need to reset and focus on the next game. I keep the same routine after games: Have dinner with my wife, then rewatch the games in detail to figure out what the other team is doing and what we can do better in the next game.

Q: Would you be willing to join show biz?J: I don’t think so, because I’m the shy type. But if given the opportunity, why not?

C: Nope, unless it’s a kind of show that I’m passionate about.

Q: What’s the most unforgettable thing a fan did for you?J: Team Jeff Chan planned a surprise swimming birthday party for me in Antipolo. And they also got my wife and kids to go without me knowing about it.

C: A fan made me sign an autograph on her whole forearm with a permanent marker. I asked her before I did it, “Are you sure? Because this is going to be hard to take off, and she happily said, ‘Yes, please!’”

Q: Aside from basketball, what else are you good at?J: Billiards, golf, and I’m also good at following my wife and kids.

C: Taking care of dogs. I would love to have a pet sanctuary or be a dog walker.

Q: Since PBA players are “girl magnets,” how do you stay away from temptation?J: I love my life with my wife and kids, so staying away from temptation is easy. One mistake could ruin everything.

C: I don’t go anywhere without my wife. Even if I do have an occasional boys’ night out, I know that the woman I want is at home waiting for me.

Q: If you were a coach, who would your first five be?J: June Mar Fajardo, Stanley Pringle, Jason Castro, Christian Standhardinger and Marcio Lassiter or Matthew Wright

C: Chris Ross, Chris Newsome, Matthew Wright, Calvin Abueva and June Mar Fajardo

Q: Who do you think is the greatest PBA player of all time?J: June Mar Fajardo. Nobody can match him.

C: June Mar Fajardo. The numbers don’t lie. He has the championships and the accolades, and he has been the most dominant player in the league for the past years. INQ