SBP-BAP nominees put under scrutiny

Patrick Gregorio has impressive credentials as a management man but his nomination as executive director of the BAP-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas will be screened by the selection committee like other nominees before being voted upon by the 25-man SBP board.

SBP vice chairman Ricky Vargas said Junjun Capistrano, Ricky Palou and a cage leader from Mindanao are the other officials who have been nominated for the job.

The selection committee, headed by former PBA board chairman Ely Capacio, is tasked to go over the credentials of the nominees.

"The selection committee’s role is to make a short list. It’s up to them to make the final list of candidates. It could just be one, two or all of them if they’re all qualified," said Vargas.

Vargas is personally impressed with Gregorio whom he has interviewed.

"He’s a TOYM (Ten Outstanding Young Men) awardee and it’s hard to get that award. He comes from a basketball family. He’s a management man and can organize events," said Vargas of Gregorio, who’s reportedly the nominee of SBP chairman Manny Pangilinan.

"Of course the other nominees also have good credentials. That’s why the selection committee is to play a crucial role," Vargas added.

Capistrano is the athletic director of Ateneo. Palou, meanwhile, is a former basketball player who has become a banker, top official of the PBA, an event organizer and also involved in the Ateneo sports program.