Ogie wants autonomy first

The search for the new commissioner of the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) nears its final stages after lawyer Ogie Narvasa, tapped to assume the post, revealed that he is close to reaching an agreement with the community-based league.

A practicing lawyer and former Philippine Basketball League (PBL) commissioner, Narvasa said that only several conditions and terms are being ironed out, particularly the automony of the commissioner's office.

"We're very close to reaching an agreement, it's just that some conditions are still being discussed and finalized," said Narvasa who saw the position of MBA commissioner as a different kind of challenge.

"Based on my past experience, I believe that the Office of the MBA Commissioner must be completely autonomous because under the present setup, there will surely be some friction between different parties sooner or later," he added.

Narvasa likewise pointed out that he intends to continue his law practice should he be eventually named commissioner. He, however, assured that such a condition will not be detrimental to his duties as commissioner.

Ramon Fernandez, who served as commissioner for two seasons, along with his deputy Edgardo Cordero stepped down after clashing with several team owners over perceived poor officiating, paving the way for hte nomination by the MBA board of 11 possible replacements, including basketball Hall of Famer Caloy Loyzaga, Chot Reyes, Rudy Salud and championship caliber coaches Tommy Manotoc and Dante Silverio.

Narvasa emerged as the most probable candidate because team owners believe that h is being young and experienced will come in handy.

It was gathered that his choice was unanimosuly agreed upon in the MBA board's recent meeting.

Narvasa's official appointment is expected to be made later this week by MBA chairman and president Bert Lina, who assured that plans and preparations for the 2000 season are running smoothly and will be ready for the February 13 opening.

The FexEx-backed Laguna Lakers will kick off hostilities when they host the Cagayan de Oro Amigos in Sta. Cruz while 1999 National Champion will test the mettle of the rebuilding Socsargen Marlins in the main feature at the newly-built General Santos City gymnasium.