PBL open to unified cage league

The proposed unified amateur league gained some momentum as PBL officials, in a meeting with Joey Concepcion III and Elmer Yanga the other day, expressed willingness to pursue further the possibility of having one unified amateur league.

"I am very happy that the PBL, represented by Cecilio Pedro and Chino Trinidad, is open to this idea as long as it is consistent with PBL’s existing parameters. They also agreed to present to the PBL Board the concept of having a unified league," said Concepcion.

In an earlier meeting, Santi Araneta of the Metropolitan Basketball Association ( MBA) has asked Concepcion to discuss with PBL officials, the possibility of having one major amateur league, either through a merger or other format acceptable to PBL.

Concepcion said that the concern of PBL of maintaining its current cost level in operating a team, even under a unified league, can be easily addressed to since MBA officials are also for reducing the cost of maintaining a team.

"There is a great opportunity to reduce the operational cost in just having one league rather than two, thus making it more viable and it is envisioned also to compliment the PBA by way of becoming its main source of talents," Concepcion said.

RFM is currently supporting the national team in the PBA under Selecta. Concepcion said that the unification of the PBL and MBA, through a mechanism acceptable to both, will be for the interest of basketball development and together with the PBA, can work towards becoming more competitive in Asia.

"A unified amateur league will pave the way for RFM to be a direct participant again but regardless of the outcome of this ongoing unification talks, we will continue our efforts in helping the development of a grassroots basketball program," Concepcion said.

Concepcion reiterated that the regional games of the MBA and the Metro Manila games of the PBL with university competition flavor is a very attractive combination.