The appearance of Espino made Buddy smile. It meant that they're going to talk business, serious business. Espino, for those who may not be familiar with the situation, has been holding out from signing a multi-year contract with Sta. Lucia. He and the team management have reached a deadlock in their negotiation.

Espino wanted a five-year, P30 million deal that would give him a monthly salary of P400,000 for the duration of the contract. Sta. Lucia countered with a three-year deal that would give Espino P300,000 in the first year, P325,000 in the second year and P350,000 in the third year. Just as Sta. Lucia nixed Espino's demand, Espino said "No" to Sta. Lucia's counter. And then disappeared. Thus, when days passed that no word came from Espino, Buddy issued an ultimatum Tuesday: "Sign now or sit out the rest of the 1997 PBA season."

That was probably the headline that Espino read yesterday morning. And that was probably the reason why so early in the day, he was at Buddy's office. Accompanied by his brother Ed and not by his once-upon-a-time agent-manager Nonie Mediarito, who now has become a "consultant," Dennis and Buddy struggled for hours to come up with a deal that would satisfy both sides. Although several times, laughter and happy banter flowed from the conversation, Buddy came out of his office to say briefly, "No deal, yet."

It seemed Dennis had come with a fixed agenda. And Buddy was similarly intractable from his position. Dennis insisted on five years and P400,000. Buddy, three years and his escalating salary. Deadlock again. As the two negotiated till past lunchtime, some players and coaches of the Realtors trickled into the office. Coaches Chot Reyes and Adonis Tiera, players Jun Limpot, Boy Cabahug and Romy de la Rosa arrived from practice and all were surprised to know that Espino was talking with Encarnado.

"We need him," said Limpot, Sta. Lucia's franchise kid. "He's got something that some players of his size don't have. Speed, Good hands. Defense." But Limpot said Dennis may have to change a bit of his attitude. "Should they come to an agreement, then that's good news. But Dennis should be more serious and act more maturely." For his part, Chot Reyes said he welcomes Dennis. "But in case there's no deal, we're ready with other options." As the negotiations dragged on, Buddy was on the phone more often. He was asking for prices of certain lots in some pricey Sta. Lucia subdivisions

Apparently, the two were close to a deal. But, after three hours, he came out and said, "Still no deal." So they went to the penthouse where Sta. Lucia owner Exy Robles was having a conference. Exy, who obviously has the final say on this matter, especially since it concerned millions of pesos, was appraised of the situation and basically supported Buddy.

He, however, offered Dennis and his brother lunch and all had a nice meal. It can't be determined, however, what transpired next. Hours after the Espinos left, a call came and Buddy said: "He has signed." Dennis got his five years and Sta. Lucia its escalating salary format. Espino will get P375,000 on his fourth year and P400,000 on his fifth year. Bonuses and other perks not disclosed.

It's difficult to say who finally got the upperhand in the end. But for sure, the PBA will never be the same. Although basketball is the country's number one sport, one has to admit that there's really too few talent to go around. That's why people like Dennis Espino and other marginal players like Jeffrey Cariaso can get away with salaries deemed too high for their abilities. The PBA playing arena is just filled with lightweights and paperweights. And that's why Fil-Americans are slowly becoming the rage. -DING MARCELO