BAP boycott is no surprise

Philippine Basketball League (PBL) commissioner Chino Trinidad took the news of the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) boycotting Monday’s unity congress organized by the Samahang Basketbol Ng Pilipinas (SBP) in stride.

"I’m not surprised," said Trinidad yesterday. "The BAP has been boycotting the resurrection of Philippine basketball for the longest time so it’s nothing new. Everyone knows the BAP is the biggest hindrance to the development of Philippine basketball."

Trinidad, named to the interim 25-man SBP Board of Trustees representing the PBL, backed up Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) commissioner Noli Eala’s declaration that with or without the BAP, the unity congress will go on in compliance with the terms of the Tokyo accord approved by FIBA (Federation Internationale de Basketball) last August.

"The BAP has bastardized Philippine basketball," said Trinidad. "It has done an injustice to the sport. If the BAP doesn’t want to join in the unification effort despite agreeing to the Tokyo accord, then that’s their problem. As far as the major stakeholders are concerned, we’re going by what is prescribed in the Tokyo accord."

Trinidad referred to the agreement signed by BAP and Pilipinas Basketball representatives in Tokyo last August in the presence of FIBA and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) officials. The agreement stipulated the creation of a unified body from a merger of the BAP and PB, the formation of a three-man panel to oversee the process, the holding of a national congress to confirm the election of officers and the recognition of the new organization by the POC.

Trinidad laughed off the BAP position to leave the country’s problem for FIBA-Asia to solve.

"What are they talking about?" wondered Trinidad. "There is a clear solution to the problem approved by FIBA so why bring in FIBA-Asia? Wasn’t it FIBA-Asia that created this problem in the first place? Why should FIBA-Asia interfere with a decision made by the FIBA Central Board? This is obviously a delaying tactic."

Newly-elected BAP president Go Teng Kok admitted recently the 70-year-old institution is fighting for survival. But why keep it alive? The BAP has been expelled by the POC and no longer receives assistance from the Philippine Sports Commission. It has outlived its usefulness. Why revive a dying horse? What hidden agenda is behind the move to backtrack from the Tokyo accord and try to reinstate the BAP as member of the POC General Assembly?

Trinidad said it’s clear the BAP is out to disrupt the unification effort for selfish reasons.

"I’m glad the PBA has finally severed ties with the BAP," said Trinidad. "That’s a good sign and a great move. Let’s face it. Our national team is dependent on the PBA. Without the PBA’s players’ resources, network and platform, there is no program for a national team. The BAP is nothing without the PBA and I hope FIBA realizes this."

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If there’s anyone who should take credit for the PBL’s resurgence, Trinidad said it’s Dioceldo Sy of Blu Detergent, Shark Energy Drink, Ever Belena and now, Noosa shoes frame.

Sy served as PBL chairman for four years and steered the league to stability. "The PBL owes a huge debt of gratitude to Mr. Sy," said Trinidad. "He kept us going when things were shaky. He did more for the league than the average team owner. He advanced money to cover expenses and even brought in two teams to make us viable."

While Sy is no longer active in the PBL, Trinidad said there’s talk he may stage a comeback.

Sy’s main product line is color cosmetics. He’s in Shanghai at the moment attending a cosmetics fair. Sy will branch out into skin (lotion, moisturizers) and hair care soon. But what’s exciting Sy lately are his Noosa shoes. According to Sy’s sales head Noel Anel, Noosa will be exclusively available at Robinson’s department stores in February.

Noosa is the local version of Crocs which has taken the US and Europe by storm. Crocs retails for P1,750 a pair (with the high-end model at P2,700). Noosa goes for P495 in six colors, — black, white, blue, red, pink and khaki. Asi Taulava is being eyed to endorse the shoes.

"We’ve checked with our lawyers and there is no global patent for Crocs," said Anel. "It’s a wide open market. But we’re not Crocs replicas. Our shoes are softer, our straps are thinner and our design is slightly different."

Trinidad said he wears Noosa shoes for driving and malling. "Nothing is more comfortable," said Trinidad. "Everyone should have at least a pair." Noel said those interested to buy a pair or become distributors may contact him at Tel. 330-0088, local 310.