Harbour owner pursues dream  of joining PBA

With nothing more to prove in the PBL, four-time champion Harbour Centre is knocking on the PBA door again.

“That’s what people are saying – that we have nothing more to prove in the PBL. Maybe it’s time to move up to the PBA. But it will all depend on the negotiations,” said team owner Mikee Romero.

The youthful cage patron, who bankrolled the Philippine team that won the men’s basketball gold in the recent Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, is only hoping for the best.

“If only the PBA would allow us to bring in around eight of my players, then maybe we can make the decision to join the PBA,” said Romero in yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s UN Ave.

“I’d be happy if they allow me to bring in eight players.”

Romero, however, did not say whether he was willing to buy a new franchise worth close to P60 million, or wait for an opportunity to buy an old one at a lesser price.

There are 10 teams in the PBA now, and Welcoat was the last to come in after taking over the Shell franchise two years ago, almost the same time Harbour Centre made its bid to join the pro league.

“We’re willing to talk. And if we can get the right mix, then that’s it,” added Romero, winner of four straight titles in the PBL, a feat that has never been done before.

Romero mentioned the names of some of his players he would like to bring in once they make it to the PBA.

They are TY Tang, Rico Maierhofer, Solomon Mercado, Gerwin Gaco, Jeff Chan and Jonathan Fernandez.             – Abac Cordero