Road to the other side of MBT

Basketball.

The sport has definitely grown at a rapid rate in the Commonwealth, from players starting to dribble at an earlier age than in previous years to on-island competition intensifying with rivalries found from the league that hosts the youngest cagers—Island-wide Village Youth Basketball League—to the Masters’ bouts.

Much of the urgency to improve as players can also be credited to performances and experiences outside of the Commonwealth island chain.

Although not given much thought of by many spectators, supporters of the sport, as well as several players, another important aspect of the game that makes a powerful impact on shouldering improvement is officiating, and among those who has showcased a desire to play a part in the process is referee Ricky Itaas.

Itaas, whose on-island experience ranges from officiating regular season games of various leagues to intense championship bouts in respected leagues like Budweiser Cup, Saipan Rotary Summer Youth Basketball League, and the United Filipino Organization, has definitely earned the respect of many with his fair judgment and decision, and was recently given the opportunity to travel with the CNMI men’s and women’s competitors to the recent Micronesian Basketball Tournament in Guam last July. Like the players, he had much to prepare for.

Itaas indicated that with the MBT being the first time he would be exposed to regional competition, he did not know what to expect, which made him yearn to prepare the best he could.

“Coach Eli [Rangamar] told me ‘Get ready and workout’ and I did try my best,” he said in an interview. “On my free time, I read the rule book over and over to better understand a lot of different things and learn more of what needs to be done. I also asked myself a lot of questions and analyzed my weak spots. I asked Eli what would I expect when we go there and he gave me a smile and said ‘Ricky, I know you can do it’ and that made me feel more strong and confident with myself.”

Of his experience in Guam, Itaas explained that like the players competing, the officials also had a bunch of tasks that needed to be addressed on and off the court, including working with FIBA officials.

“Meetings and lectures began the day I arrive. There were evaluations after every game…we were being rated, and the Technical Committee was very strict when it comes to calling the games…it was a totally different jungle I was in,” he said.

Further, Itaas’ officiating in the elimination round earned him much praise and a ticket to referee the gold medal game.

“It was one of the most happiest moments in by career being a basketball referee,” he said.

After his successful learning experience, Itaas explained that sharing the knowledge he acquired is one of his priorities.

“I am all out to help if they need any inquiry,” he said. “We need more people to help in getting our basketball development here go up with the same standard in Guam and the rest of the world. We play a very significant role in every game so we have to do our best to apply the rules of the game and true intent of sportsmanship and fair judgment.”

Itaas next looks as gaining support for officiating at the upcoming Micronesian Games in Yap in 2006 as well as the South Pacific Games.

“If I make it to these two tournaments, I will be eligible to earn my Level III FIBA certification.”

Lastly, Itaas expressed his appreciation to those who in one-way or another supported him.

“I would like to thank all my friends and colleagues for all their support and help, and of course, to my family that stood by me in every move that I do with regards to officiating basketball games here. It takes a lot of my time but their unconditional love, prayers, and understanding was all that matters to me and the moral support that I get from my wife during my journey to being a referee,” he said.