SBP exec welcomes nomination

He has barely warmed his seat as BAP-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director yet Patrick Gregorio said he’s open to the possibility of moving over to the pro league as its commissioner.

“I’ll think things over. But first I have to talk to the SBP president, Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan, confer with the SBP board then analyze everything,” said Gregorio who has just returned from a business trip in London.

“PBA is PBA. It’s a big honor to be nominated as the next PBA commissioner. I have to give it serious thought,” Gregorio added on his nomination to the coveted position running the affairs of the PBA.

But Gregorio said he has to analyze things thoroughly because of the present position he holds.

“It’s not just about myself but the federation. But I would love the opportunity to talk with the PBA board of governors because I’m after a good synergy between the PBA and the SBP. I believe SBP wouldn’t be successful without the PBA and that the PBA would gain tremendous boost with an aggressive support of the national federation,” said Gregorio.

Ateneo’s Ricky Palou and businessman-sportsman Arben Santos declined their nomination, leaving in the short list of candidates Gregorio, Atty. Chito Salud, marketing expert Lambert Ramos, NBA Asia’s Carlo Singson and former PBA governor Bert Manlapit.

Gregorio said he doesn’t see any problem with brothers Purefoods head coach Ryan and Air21 assistant coach Allan.

“Ryan is in the PBA not because of me. Allan is where he’s now also not because of me. We’re always independent in our careers,” said Patrick.