A new world order

Things are certainly going to change for many players when the PBA opens shop on February 16. Now that the deepest draft of recent memory is over, many veteran players are biting their nails, wondering if they will still have jobs this year.

The painful and ironic coincidence is that, when the original list of 67 draft applicants came out, there were also 67 players whose contracts had expired. As of last week, most of them had not reached agreements with their mother teams. And this does not just include local-bred players, but surprisingly, even Fil-Ams who should have been a lock for roster spots by now.

Perhaps it’s an extreme case of cutting costs, but even talent like Alex Crisano and Kenny Evans don’t have deals yet. Although both have been practicing with Talk ‘N Text, they’ve admitted a little trepidation, since they are unsure of being retained. Even PBA Press Corps co-Coach of the Year Ryan Gregorio, who will likely be retained as an assistant at Purefoods, does not have a signed pact yet.

What gives?

The situation has become very fluid for players because of the huge amount of talent entering the league. From a business standpoint, it makes sense. Why would a franchise retain a veteran player when it could easily pull in an eager, lower-paid play-alike who would probably be three to five years younger? And what about an MBA veteran who would be polished and ready to play?

The Star reported yesterday that six Alaska players - Jojo Lastimosa, Rodney Santos, Richie Ticzon, Alvin Teng, Eric Reyes and Jon Ordonio - have not been officially retained. Perhaps the only thing Purefoods is sure of at this point is that Alvin Patrimonio will play for another two years. Even unretired point guard Ronnie Magsanoc is still waiting for what his orders will be. The Hotdogs have taken in Gilbert Demape from Talk ‘N Text to fill in the point guard spot, but are still looking for a solid big man since Andy Seigle’s back has not shown much improvement as of late.

And speaking of Talk ‘N Text, reports were that the team was looking for a way to clear a path to acquire UAAP MVP Enrico Villanueva. But when The Star spoke with the 6-5 center at the Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Friday night, he admitted that no team has spoken to him yet, and he hasn’t practiced with any PBA team. Unless he was playing coy.

It has now become a buyer’s market with the huge influx of players. Some members of the media have even said that it would be a good time for the PBA to consider expanding. But given the league’s immediate goals of boosting ratings and adjusting to a new commissioner and television franchisee, that would be a bit far-fetched at this point.

Now that the draft is over, there will be a mad rush for veterans to sign on with any team to simply secure income. What a shame it is that some teams are trading away today for tomorrow. But such is the cycle of life in the PBA. At one end, it raises the bar of performance and expectation; but on the other, it lowers the level of respect for players who’ve paid their dues in the toughest league in the country.

Meanwhile, agents are also looking for ways to increase their income, since the salary cap has been slashed by thirty percent. Perhaps that explains occurences like coaches asking for bigger pay (top mentors get about P 250,000 to P 300,000 a month). Also becoming a fad is the "buy one, take one" mentality. Although practiced before, it is becoming more prevalent. One superstar plus one marginal player for one deal. Agents are desperately trying to keep their numbers up.

A new world order is falling into place in the PBA, and it seems a bit harsh for the older players. But the bottom line is that the PBA is a business, and unless you have a great relationship with your boss (or you bring in the championship hardware), you’re history.

Out with the old, in with the new. For many, it’s painful, but true.

You may reach me at [email protected].