Vargas cites PBA team owners

MANILA, Philippines — PBA chairman Ricky Vargas said yesterday the league owes it to team owners for absorbing a hefty financial loss to preserve players and staff salaries during the pandemic but assured that “we’re on our way back.”

Vargas also paid tribute to TV5 for “staying with us through this difficult time.” He called the network “real partners.” The coverage reached a high in the recent Governors’ Cup where Game 6 of the finals registered a double digit rating to create momentum for next season.

“The PBA took a loss of about P100 million while continuing to keep employees compensation whole but more for team owners,” said Vargas. “We’re grateful to them. It ate up our savings. With new revenue streams and a successful two conferences this past season, we were positive P48 million.”

Vargas said up to four players will be picked in the special Gilas lottery to precede the regular first round of the PBA draft on May 15 with the deadline for applications falling tomorrow. As of early yesterday, there were 41 applicants, including 11 Fil-foreigners but the list is expected to expand with the entry of UAAP eligible players.

Among the early applicants were Fil-Ams Sedrick Barefield, Kyle Toth, Keith Datu and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Arellano’s 6-7 Justin Arana, La Salle’s Encho Serrano and Jollo Go, San Sebastian’s 6-6 JM Calma, Lyceum’s Jerwyn Guinto and Emilio Aguinaldo’s CJ Cadua. Barefield, 25, appears to be a hot draft prospect, having played in NCAA D-1, NBA G-League, Lithuania and Greece. The 6-2 point guard has Filipino roots through his mother Kat. Player agent Marvin Espiritu said Barefield and Datu can show proof of consulate appointments while awaiting release of their Philippine passports.

It’s still not certain if UAAP stars Justine Baltazar and Ricci Rivero will join the draft. Player agent Charlie Dy said he will discuss with Rivero and his father whether or not to enter the draft after the La Salle-UP game tonight. “No decision yet but Ricci has some offers,” said Dy who confirmed Jason Brickman will not apply as he just signed a three-year renewal to play in Taiwan. Baltazar has offers in Japan. UAAP’s other graduating players include Kurt Lojera, Raffy Verano, Gian Mamuyac and Tyler Tio.