MBA to sanction cagers joining RP SEAG team

Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) commissioner Ogie Narvasa yesterday reiterated that all MBA coaches and players had already been recalled from the RP team to next month’s Southeast Asian Games and warned that coaches and players who join the national team without league clearance will face stiff sanctions.

"They may face sanction if they decide to violate this order which was recently approved by the MBA board," Narvasa told The STAR yesterday.

"This sanction I’m talking about could be a suspension or fine and I’m not talking of the legal matters yet," he added.

However, Quintellano "Tiny" Literal, leader of the other faction within the Basketball Association of the Philippines, insisted that the national team roster he submitted to the SEA Games organizers remains, citing a memorandum of agreement entered into by the BAP and the MBA two years ago.

"As far as I know, that MOA still exists up to this day because there was no other resolution nullifying it," said Literal.

This developed as efforts to settle the BAP leadership dispute between Literal and Lito Puyat bogged down yesterday after the former refused to sign a letter of agreement prepared by Bacolod City Rep. and former sports commissioner Monico Puentevella.

Puentevella, chair of the House Youth and Sports Committee, arranged the meeting in an effort to help the two leaders settle their differences and pave the way for the country’s participation in the SEA Games next month.

National coach Boycie Zamar, on his part, remained firm on his stance that they will play for flag and country despite Narvasa’s insistence not to do so.

"Our commitment stands," said Zamar, who is the current coach of the MBA’s Socsargen Marlins.

Literal said the issue is merely on the lack of communication between the BAP and the MBA.

"We were not informed officially that the MBA has recalled all of their players back to their mother teams. Kaya nga the team has continued to practice religiously for the past 10 months," said Literal.

He added that as a proof, the players have continued to receive their respective allowances from the Philippine Sports Commission.

Meanwhile, former MBA chairman and Fed-Ex/Laguna Lakers owner Bert Lina yesterday said he’s supporting the move to send an MBA selection to the SEAG.

"Let’s forget about our differences first. This move is not for any personality but for the country," said Lina, who will act as manager of the team in the event that it is allowed to play in the Kuala Lumpur Games.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Celso Dayrit on Wednesday decided to include the men’s national team composed of stars from the MBA in the final list of entries submitted to the organizers of the biennial meet.

Dayrit also branded as speculation Narvasa’s statement that the present national roster has been disbanded.

"Basta kami, we have done what we think is best for the country by submitting the basketball lineup," said Dayrit.