BAP mum on cage s’body

For quite sometime now, no concrete action has been taken by the major stakeholders involved in the creation of a basketball superbody in the country.

But that doesn’t mean they are giving up the fight.

In fact, they’re just waiting for the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) to act on their recent proposal before making their next move.

"Kumbaga sa basketball, the ball is in their (BAP) hands now. Whether they will shoot (that ball) or turn it over, nasa kanila na `yun," said Philippine Basketball League (PBL) commissioner Chino Trinidad, spokesman of the group composed of key figures from the Philippines’ major basketball leagues.

Trinidad graced the PSA Forum yesterday at the Manila Pavilion along with Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) chairman Buddy Encarnado, who also plays an important role in the bid to form a cage body representing all major leagues in the country.

But both admitted that being the recognized basketball group by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the BAP does have the mandate when as far as basketball operation in the country is concerned.

"We all agree na hindi magagawa ang lahat sa santong paspasan," said Trinidad in the public sports program sponsored by Red Bull, Agfa Colors and PAGCOR.

The group instead proposed that it be made a part of the BAP’s decision-making, without necessarily putting its foot down upon association president Tiny Literal or secretary-general Graham Lim.

Unfortunately, they haven’t heard any from the BAP.

"We did our part. Sinubukan namin to adopt a change in an effort to improve Philippine basketball," said the youthful PBL commissioner.

"Mahal pa rin namin ang Philippine basketball. At ayaw namin tinatapak-tapakan lang ito. Hindi namin matanggap `yung kalokohan na nangyayari sa basketball ngayon," added Trinidad, noting how a recent RP team finished winless in the 15th ABC Champions Cup in Dubai, a stint which saw the Filipinos even losing to lowly India.

With the BAP ignoring the group’s proposal, Trinidad said the different cage leagues are minding their respective business at the moment.