Bold PBA move brings in top Asians

SEOUL, Korea – The Philippine Basketball Association is doing a revolutionary move in its coming 40th season, opening its door to Asian players in the third conference in a bid to lure the Asian crowd and the rich advertisers in the region.

The PBA board approved the “Asian integration” as proposed by board chairman Patrick Gregorio in their planning session at the Novotel Ambassador Gangnam Hotel here.

Details, like height limit, salary cap, etc, will be finalized after things are cleared with team owners.

Asian recruits will be on top of the regular imports playing in the season-ending Governors Cup.

“The board agreed to try it for one conference specifically and exclusively for marketing outside the country and within the Asian region,” said Gregorio.

“We want to showcase the league in the region. We’re reaching out as we target big sponsors in the region like Samsung and LG,” Gregorio also said.

“Imagine if you recruit Korean players. I heard Korean population in the Philippines has hit a million,” Gregorio added.

Tentatively, the board agreed to allow the teams to recruit one Asian player each with a maximum height of 6-foot-4.

“It’s optional,” said PBA commissioner Chito Salud. “And why 6-4? It’s the average height of Filipino players.”

Blackwater team owner Dioceldo Sy and Ginebra board representative Alfrancis Chua – a multi-titled coach in the defunct PBL – remembered the mania brought by the participation of former Chinese star Ma Jian in the PBL in the 90s.

“I’m passionate about this,” said Gregorio convinced the league would enjoy greater heights with this idea.

“Of course, first, the commissioner has to make sure rules are clear,” Gregorio also said.

Asian prospective players may include Sam Daghles of Jordan and the sharp shooters of Korea and Chinese Taipei.

Gregorio presides their summit here also attended by vice chairman Robert Non of San Miguel Beer, San Mig Coffee’s Rene Pardo, Ginebra’s Alfrancis Chua, Meralco’s Al Panlilio and Ryan Gregorio, Globalport’s Erick Arejola, Alaska’s Dickie Bachmann, Barako Bull’s Manny Alvarez, Rain or Shine’s Mert Mondragon, NLEX’s Ramon Fernandez, Kia’s Ginia Domingo and Blackwater’s Dioceldo Sy, Silliman Sy and Wilbert Loa.

On the sidelines of their planning session, the PBA officials watch some of the 17th Asian Games competitions participated in by Filipino athletes.

 On Tuesday night, they cheered for Filipino boxers under the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines where Gregorio serves as secretary general.