For immediate hiring: One Black Superman

MANILA, Philippines - Billy Ray “The Black Superman” Bates, whose phenomenal stint in the pro league has earned him a place in the PBA Hall of Fame, is in no rush for a flight back home. In fact, he’s looking for a coaching job.

Bates, one of seven personages making the fourth batch of honorees to the Hall, doesn’t want to be booked yet as he wants to see job opportunities in the country.

In particular, Bates said he wants to coach and follow the footstep of fellow former PBA imports Norman Black and Bobby Parks.

“Let me state this clearly – I want to be the next new coach in the PBA,” said Bates, reading a prepared statement at halftime of the season-opening game between Rain or Shine and Barangay Ginebra Sunday.

“Although this award honors my past achievements, I see this honor as the start of new opportunities to reconnect with the Philippines. I have always loved this country and believed in its potential to use basketball as a way to bring families together and create a stronger connection among its citizens,” he said.

“That love of our sport in the Philippines had led to new opportunities for me. It has sparked my interest in returning to the PBA,” he added.

Bates said he wants to stay as he wants to give back to the Philippines.

The question is whether there’s a job available for him.

“I was thinking of getting him as skills coach but he now walks with a limp. So how can he be skills coach,” said SMC official Robert Non.

“Namomroblema ngayon ang PBA, ayaw umuwi (The PBA has a problem. Bates doesn’t want to go home),” said a PBA official.

Bates said he found inspiration in God to pursue a dream here.

“I have made some wrong choices but learned how to make the right choices through Him. I thank Him continuously for helping me make one of my best choices – coming to the PBA and the Philippines,” he said.

Meanwhile, Petron Blaze and Meralco are currently locked in a tug-of-war for the services of former Alaska player Mark Borboran.

The two teams have brought the matter to the Commissioner’s Office for resolution.

Petron tendered an offer to the 6-foot-4 forward after seeing the player’s name out of the Alaska roster. Meralco, however, is claiming it has gained the rights on the player on a trade deal with Alaska.

Borboran has no existing contract.