SBP gumawa ng koneksiyon sa Lakers

MANILA, Philippines - Umaasa sina SBP vice chairman Ricky Vargas at dating PBA chairman Patrick Gregorio na ang kanilang pagbisita sa Los Angeles Lakers executive offices ang magpapatibay sa kanilang relasyon sa NBA franchise kaugnay kay Fil-Am guard Jordan Clarkson.

Nakausap nina Vargas at Gregorio sina Lakers president Jeanie Buss at Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak noong nakaraang linggo.

Nagpulong sila sa corporate headquarters sa Toyota Sports Center kung saan nagsasanay ang Lakers, ang WNBA team na Los Angeles Sparks, ang NBA D-League’ squad na Los Angeles D-Fenders at ang hockey team na Los Angeles Kings.

“We discussed with Mitch the possibility of Jordan playing for Gilas at the FIBA Asia Championships in Changsha on Sept. 23-Oct. 3,” wika ni Gregorio.  “Mitch told us that Jordan is still a young man and we should all protect his future. If he grows to be the star he could be, he’ll be more stable and focused.  His rise to the top is just starting.  The Lakers allowed Jordan to play in Changsha on condition it will not conflict with his schedule with the team.”

Sinabi ni Gregorio na ang meeting sa 53-gulang na si Buss ay may magandang bunga. Nakausap pa ni  SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan si Buss sa telepono mula sa Manila habang kasama nila ito sa kanyang opisina.

“It was 3 a.m., Manila time, and Boss MVP was awake to speak with Ms. Buss,” sabi ni Gregorio.  Bumalik agad si Buss mula sa bakasyon para makipagkita kina Gregorio at Vargas sa Los Angeles kasama si Chao Chuatico Espaldon, chief operating officer ng Cincinnati wealth management firm na  East West Private.

“The first thing we did was to take a photo with Ms. Buss,” sabi ni Gregorio.  “Both Mr. Vargas and I were swept off our feet by her charm and engaging personality. We told her there are millions of Laker fans in the Philippines and with Jordan announcing he’s ready to play for Gilas, we expect even more.  We invited her to Manila.  We didn’t discuss Jordan’s details with Ms. Buss.”