FedEx signs pact with USBL champs

Airfreight 2100, the sole licensee of Federal Express in the Philippines and owner of the Express team in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), yesterday forged a partnership with 2001 United States Basketball League (USBL) champion Pennsylvania, assuring both teams of an efficient transfer of players, coaches and technology.

Under the partnership, the Pennsylvania Valleydawgs, who are coached by NBA legend Darryl "Chocolate Thunder" Dawkins, will undergo an exchange program with the Express involving their players and coaches.

This will help Valleydawg players land lucrative playing jobs in Asia’s premier basketball league and the Express players gain experience and exposure in the US subject to approval by the PBA.

Airfreight 2100 chairman Bert Lina said that such an alliance is a welcome development not only for the Express team but to Philippine basketball in general.

"This will help the PBA get a chance to play in the US. Our players will gain tremendous experience playing in the USBL, because it is one step below the NBA. Who knows, we might be producing here the first ever Filipino players in the NBA?" said Lina.

Express president Lito Alvarez said that with the pact, the team will have an easier access to the top players of the USBL, which produced the likes of Manute Bol, Anthony Mason and Charlie Ward.