ANDREW SEIGLE, right, the expected No. 1 pick in the coming Philippine Basketball Association 1997 draft, enjoys break with new teammate after practice with Mobiline. (Freddie MANALAC)

New Mobiline coach Norman Black said yesterday he is excited and confident that his team will climb new heights in the Philippine Basketball Association with their new recruits leading the path. "I'm very excited with my new team," Black said while declaring that the Cellulars will have no problem adjusting to his style of coaching and that his players will ultimately become one big fighting machine.

Black's excitement, and that of the Mobiline management, stems from the acquisition of a Fil-American Andrew Seigle, a 6-foot-10 former collegiate standout who's signing was described by a team official as "like having won the lotto." "Seigle is a big plus to the PBA and Mobiline," remarked Black. "He is very talented, a high jumper with a good outside shot. However, he must get used to the physical game in the league (PBA)."

Mobiline has also signified its intention to acquire Jeffrey Cariaso from Alaska and has signed the power forward to a three-year P14.4 million contract, one of the biggest this season. The team is now awaiting the next move of Alaska regarding Cariaso whom it can retain by matching Mobiline's hefty offer. ``They (Alaska's management) can match (the offer sheet) but I don't think they can keep him in Alaska,'' said Mobiline consultant Tommy Manotoc, who is intent on getting Cariaso.

Black said his immediate program for the coming season is to develop his team's character such as what he did with a young San Miguel crew in the mid-80's that eventually won a grand slam in 1989. "I don't think there is a problem as far as character-building is concerned because my players are very hardworking as reflected in my first two days of practice," Black said. Black who won nine PBA crowns including a grand slam, said that Mobiline could transform into a championship team "in a few years." -NOEL RODRIGUEZ

PBA rookie camp a dud.