PBA starts search for next commish

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Basketball Association is forming a selection committee that will possibly include an independent member or “a PBA outsider” as the league board begins its search for the next PBA commissioner in a special meeting Thursday next week.

“In our initial brainstorming, we talked about forming a selection committee to be composed of three, four or a maximum of five members. The question we have to answer is a suggestion of commissioner Chito Salud that we invite an independent member,” PBA board chairman Patrick Gregorio told The STAR.

“That way, we show the PBA’s professionalism. The independent member could be there to break a tie,” Gregorio added.

First, the PBA board sets the criteria that will guide the selection committee in making a shortlist of candidates for the high-profile position as chieftain of the country’s premier sports entertainment business.

The board chair has his ideas as to the ideal man to take over from Salud who’s quitting his post at the end of PBA Season 40.

 “Based on my experience, I agree with commissioner Chito that the man should have a marketing savvy, a trait that can help push the PBA to the next level. He should also be a crisis manager who can manage when things become emotional. It usually does in the PBA especially during the playoffs,” said Gregorio.

“The next commissioner should have a vision for the PBA for the next five years or next 10 years. And another important trait for me is the commissioner being charismatic. He should be a friend of everybody,” Gregorio also said, adding the board sets the mold of the next commissioner in their special meeting.

As to the names of candidates coming out in the news, Gregorio said these are speculations that are as good as anybody’s speculations, but they welcome all these.

“We’ll gather all possible names, all recommendations and inputs by everybody. No matter how long the list of names endorsed, the PBA will be inclusive and not exclusive. The board will then give the selection committee an X number of weeks to do the shortlist,” Gregorio said.

“But very important is the criteria. The people should know the criteria. I’m for everybody to be involved. That’s the reason why the PBA is big now because everybody’s involved. Kasama sa nagpapaganda ng PBA na ang lahat ay parte ng PBA,” Gregorio pointed out.

 He was not surprised with the names that have been mentioned – known personalities that had been PBA stars or PBA officials.

“May mga pangalan na talagang hindi pwedeng balewalain (There are names that should not be overlooked). But there are interesting names that are coming up,” said Gregorio, referring to non-PBA personalities who have already been endorsed to the board, including PSC commissioner Jolly Gomez and former Baguio City Mayor Reinaldo Bautista.

Not to be overlooked are Robert Jaworski, Ramon Fernandez, Chito Loyzaga, Lito Alvarez, Joaqui Trillo, JB Baylon, and Buddy Encarnado.

Gregorio insisted they would collate all names to be mentioned, endorsed or recommended.

“To be fair, we’ll list down all possible names. And when their names are mentioned, it does not mean they’re applying. We’ll list all names to have a bigger, better pool to get the shortlist,” Gregorio pointed out.

Gregorio said the list might not be limited to sports personalities/leaders based in the country.

“(MVP Group top official) Ricky (Vargas) has mentioned ‘what if there are Filipino sports managers abroad who are willing to return and work here,’” said Gregorio.

Gregorio is thankful to the current commissioner he informed the PBA board of his plan ahead of time. “What if let’s say he informs us he’s resigning in 30 days, eh di crisis ang PBA. So credit goes to commissioner Salud,” he said.