Cellar dwellers field 2 imports in next Fiesta Cup

The Philippine Basketball Association is again applying a handicapping scheme in the import-reinforced tourney next year in a bid to keep balance  in the competition.

The last two teams after the elimination round of the All-Filipino tourney will be allowed to field two imports in the Fiesta Conference with one standing 6-foot-1 or below. The rest of the teams will be allowed just an import with no height restriction.

This was approved by the PBA board of governors in a meeting yesterday at Chateu 1771 in Ortigas Center in Pasig.

Remaining in the drawing board is the proposed amendment to the controversial “Restricted Trade List.” The teams couldn’t reach an agreement and decided to make further discussion in their next meeting.

But giants like Julius Nwosu are allowed to be back in the local pro league in the next Fiesta Cup with the board deciding to put away height restriction on imports.

The return of seven-footers could well help PBA players familiarize themselves  with international play.

The handicap scheme, meanwhile, opens the door for another stint by Alex Compton with Welcoat, in case the Dragons fail to make it to the top eight in the All-Filipino  elims.

Compton played as special import for the Dragons in the recently concluded Fiesta Cup. Injury to Carlos Clark, however, told its toll on the team as the Dragons finished 10th and last in the tourney. –N. Beltran