Distrito eyes role as PBA agent for Negros players

After getting his "second chance to be a good man," former Philippine Basketball Association star Rudy Distrito is eyeing a new job in the professional league, this time as a player agent. Distrito, who went to his native Bacolod City following his release from the United States, said he is looking forward to bringing talented Negrense players to Manila. He said local players who have the skills and talent will need an agent who knows the ins and outs of the “big league" in Manila, according to a report published Saturday on the Visayan Daily Star.

Known during his prime as “The Destroyer" for his tough playing style, Distrito said he will be conducting basketball clinics and sharing his skills with the local talents while he is in Bacolod City. Although known more as a football country, Bacolod City and Negros Occidental has produced top players in the PBA, including current superstar James Yap of Purefoods (from Escalante) and Reynel Hugnatan of Alaska (Bacolod). Earlier, Distrito said he is raring to make full use of the "second chance" he got from God, to be a "good man again." He also said he wants to spend time with his family and consider a coaching job in the PBA. “God has given me a second chance ... God is willing me to be a good man again," he said in an earlier interview. Ginebra stalwart Distrito, 51, gained fame - and notoriety – while playing in the PBA, particularly with Ginebra San Miguel (now Barangay Ginebra) in the PBA. The rugged guard is best remembered for his winning off-balance shot that clinched the Open Conference title for Ginebra San Miguel in 1991. He returned to the Philippines this month after being released on parole and deported from the United States where he was convicted for voluntary manslaughter. “I’m free, and I’m very happy," Distrito said. Distrito was convicted in 2005 for killing Juan Amaya, who had married his live-in partner Marie Jo Buenafe, in November 2004. Distrito said the Mexican was his driver and he did not know that he was a gangster. He said the argument that ensued between him and the Mexican before the killing was not because of jealousy over Mary Jo, but was more of "business and miscommunication." “I did my time in jail, I paid, I went through a lot and my family suffered," said Distrito, adding his five children who live in the United States are doing well. - GMANews.TV