PBA seeks ties of cooperation

MANILA, Philippines — Officials of the Philippine Basketball Association and the Japan B.League, in a meeting in Tokyo last Friday, expressed willingness to take the path of friendship and cooperation with their similar goal of further boosting the sport in their respectice countries.

PBA chairman Ricky Vargas and commissioner Willie Marcial led the PBA delegation that paid their JBL counterparts a visit in the latter’s headquarters at the heart of the Japanese capital.

Vargas said the PBA delegation reached out for mutual under-standing, respect and improved relations for the betterment of both leagues.

“The keyword is cooperation. Recent events whereby our players accepted offers to play in Japan have hurt not only our league but our national team training and development, as well,” said Vargas. “If we continue this way of engaging Philippine players without prior clearance from our league, it may sadly blemish our friendship.”

While understanding “free market,” Vargas stressed the importance of respect, raising some particular points, with the first and foremost that of respect to player contract.

He called on the Japan league and teams to respect the player contract, player commitment to play in the national team, respect for each other’s league rules and policies, respect for FIBA rules and ideals, respect for youth education and authorized agents accredited by the league.

The PBA chairman mentioned the Philippine government, particularly the Senate, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and the FIBA having taken cognizance of the situation.

“As commissioner (Marcial) suggested, we keep the conversation going,” said Shimada, mentioning their intention to pay their own visit to Manila in December.

Welcoming the PBA group were JBL chairman Shinji Shimada, International Development manager Chihiro Saito and officer Ayumi Yamamoto.

Joining Vargas and Marcial in the meeting were Blackwater team owner Dioceldo Sy, PBA governors Robert Non of San Miguel Beer, Alfrancis Chua of Ginebra, Rod Franco of NLEX, Bill Pamintuan of Meralco, Erick Arejola of NorthPort, Bobby Rosales of Terrafirma, Chito Salud of Converge, Raymond Zorrilla of Phoenix and Silliman Sy of Blackwater, deputy commissioner Eric Castro, legal counsel Melvin Mendoza and social media head Michelle Flores.

Among Filipino players now strutting their stuff in the B.League are Kiefer Ravena, Bobby Ray Parks, Dwight Ramos, Thirdy Ravena and Matthew Wright.

Meanwhile, former Gilas Pilipinas program director Tab Baldwin yesterday rallied behind the national team and his successor, coach Chot Reyes, amid what he felt are excessive attacks on social media.

Baldwin, whose departure last February and Reyes’ subsequent entry created an uproar, said he genuinely wishes for the current Gilas pool to succeed and appealed to Filipino fans to do the same.

Speaking on the Power and Play program of Philippine Sports Commission chairman Noli Eala on Radyo Singko, Baldwin said he was saddened to see the hate thrown at Reyes during the Gilas home game against Saudi Arabia.

“I was disheartened,” said Baldwin.