"This was originally a school-based league," recalls Tito Palma, NBL secretary-general."When the MBA collapsed, we saw an opportunity to take the game back to the provinces, with some changes."
Beginning with eight teams representing different cities or provinces, the NBL opened in Ozamis, of all places. Birth pains were inevitable, but the games went on with very few hitches. Having a smaller salary scale also helped the league keep its head above water. Players‚ pay ranges from P8,000 to P30,000 a month.
"We pegged the team salary cap at P300,000 a month, so it wouldn’t be too painful for the team owners," Palma continues. "It was hard at first because we really didn’t have money and the sponsors are adopting a wait-and-see attitude, but things are improving."
The NBL has been to diverse places as Pampanga, Cebu, Ozamis and Manila. The players, many of whom are either entirely unknown or former MBA regulars, seem contented. The good old days of huge salaries is a distant memory.
"Times are really hard," adds Jimmy Javier, anchorman for Silverstar, partner and television producer of the NBL games. "Many of these players were turning down larger amounts in the MBA than what they are making now. They realize that nothing lasts forever."
In its first few months of rebirth as an open regional league, the NBL has also found the time to represent the country abroad. The core of the M. Lhuillier squad, reinforced by retired PBA All-Star Samboy Lim and former Olongapo Volunteers center Jeff Flowers flew to Qatar to play the national teams of that country, Jordan and Iran. Unfortunately, lack of manpower led them to losing close games. Bobby Parks was unable to make the trip, so when Samboy or Flowers would get tired, they would let the game slip by, even the battle for third.
"The opponents were really big, so we had problems with size," Palma confirms."But you could see the boys would fight hard. Even against Qatar, which had the tallest line-up, we would even lead. But with injuries to Samboy, we even wound up with just seven players."
At any rate, this also opened the door for the first NBL National Open Invitational tournament, scheduled at the Cebu Coliseum from September 10 to 17. Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia and Chinese Taipei are expected to field teams. Four NBL teams reinforced by imports, as well as a reinforced San Mguel All-Stars team, are expected to see action.
"Eventually, we want to have two regular tournaments, the National Open and the regular season, which will be longer. We are hoping to expand to twelve teams," Palma elaborates."Maybe that will bring in the big corporate sponsors. The league has been very well received all over the country. So we hope that other cities can join."
Makati and Quezon City are two potential members, considering that they would also enhance the NBL’s presence in Metro Manila and add some prestige. Besides, the provincial venues are not always available, either. The league is also planning a junior tournament for the summers, to involve the youth.
"We want to do things gradually," Palma emphasizes."If there’s something we can’t afford yet, then we won’t do it," he says, alluding to the MBA."And we have no political affiliations. We are friends with everybody. We just want to play the games."
So far, the NBL is playing it right by keeping its budgets low and staying away from the political landmines that the BAP seems to constantly tread upon. Lucky for the new players in the league, they’ve found organizers with a long-term commitment, who don’t let their egos get ahead of their good intentions.