Apparently, Bobby had read that day’s edition of this column because he made reference to the three prognosticators who predicted the outcome of the 2004 Fiesta Conference after the elimination round in terms of team rankings.

One of the things all three predicted was that Shell would again end up at the bottom, deadlast.

This is the reason Bobby had called. To protest the trio’s divination.

* * * *

Bobby requested me to tell the three — Mike Pangilinan, Danny Espiritu and Teddy Reynoso — that he was challenging them to another wager.

"I’m doubling the ante for this bet: Shell won’t end up deadlast in the next conference. Maybe ninth but definitely not last,’’ Bobby pronounced. He wasn’t angry, though. He was just having fun. In fact he was laughing.

"I’ll even host the lunch for all of us if I lose the wager,’’ Bobby added.

I’m supposed to relay this message to the three ASAP because Bobby wants an immediate feedback.

I have no doubt that the three Musketeers would take on the bet.

* * * *

Although many have raised doubts regarding the capability of Shell’s American head coach John Moran, Bobby said his system is designed to get the Turbochargers in their best physical form.

"Sa NBA nga mas rigid pa ang training,’’ Bobby pointed out.

Moran is said to hold two to three workouts a day, some lasting way past midnight.

He does not believe in scrimmages and tune-up games, according to some of his players.

* * * *

As of yesterday, Moran had yet to secure a working permit from the Department of Labor.

From what I gathered, he will need the BCAP’s nod before he can get one because the organization had already filed an opposition to the granting of an AEP (Alien Employment Permit).

BCAP president Chito Narvasa said he is confident this problem will be resolved when he meets with Kanapi and PBA chairman Buddy Encarnado to discuss the parameters, standardization and procedures in the hiring of a foreign national as head coach.

* * * *

A city ordinance has been passed requiring all those who will play organized basketball in Quezon City to first undergo drug testing.

Since the PBA will be playing in a QC venue, the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao for the next three years at least, the cagers will be mandated to submit themselves to another series of drug tests in addition to that which will be conducted by the GAB and the PBA itself.

* * * *

According to QC councilor Franz Pumaren who authored the ordinance, all players, coaches, team officials and referees will have to undergo mandatory drug testing before the start of the 2004 season.

Thereafter, random tests will be conducted regularly on a quarter of the PBA population throughout the year.

"This is in line with Mayor Sonny Belmonte’s vision of a clean and wholesome Quezon City,’’ Franz said, stressing that anyone who refuses to be tested will not be allowed to play.

"Hindi lang naman basketball players ang isa-subject sa drug testing. Next in line na ang mga models, entertainers, showbiz personalities who perform in the city on a regular basis,’’ said Franz who has sat down recently with PBA commissioner Noli Eala to discuss the matter.

Franz pointed out that the results will be handled very discreetly.