MBA still open to Asiad stint

The Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) is not closing the door on the possibility that some of its players could be part of the national team that will see action in the 14th Asian Games slated next year in Pusan, South Korea.

Ramon Tuason, the MBA director for marketing and business development, yesterday said they are merely awaiting the results of ongoing talks between the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) and the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

The BAP and the PBA have a standing agreement that was reached in 1990, giving the league the blanket authority in the selection, training and preparation, and funding of the national team to the Asian Games.

The BAP, through its president Quintelliano "Tiny" Literal, however, said recently that he is for the formation of a team to be composed of six players each from the PBA and the MBA — a proposal that runs counter to their agreement with the PBA.

A meeting between Literal and PBA executive director Sonny Barrios has reportedly been set.

"We’re just waiting for the results of the talks between the BAP and the PBA," said Tuason during the PSA Forum at the Holiday Inn Hotel where he was accompanied by his commissioner Butch Antonio.

"The BAP and the PBA have an agreement. I know that Literal wants to send the strongest team possible. So, whatever they decide on, we’ll just have to follow," he said.

Antonio, who took over the post recently vacated by Ogie Narvasa, believed that sending a team of PBA and MBA players to the quadrennial games is the best option. "It’s actually going to be a convergence and what better way to show unity than that," he said.

In case the "50-50" format is followed, Antonio said the MBA is ready to name its representatives as he mentioned the names of Romel Adducul, Chito Victolero, Chris Calaguio, Omanzie Rodriguez, Junel Mendiola, Jomar Tiera and Bruce Dacia as the logical choice.

Tuason also came up with the idea of settling the issue by holding a do-or-die battle between the PBA and the MBA for the right to represent the country in the Asiad. — With report from Joey Villar