Two teams knocking at PBL door

At least two new teams are likely to join the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) when it opens its 24th season next month.

PBL executive director Butch Maniego said he’s currently negotiating with the officials of the two companies for their possible entry to the league.

The representatives of the two companies, according to Maniego, have long been knocking at the door of the country’s premier amateur league and are now looking for best available players around whom they can tap for the coming conference.

PBL commissioner Chino Trinidad is confident the two prospective teams can put up young and competitive squads since there is an abundance of talents from various collegiate leagues in the country today.

"The more, the merrier," said Trinidad. "We are hoping for more teams to join the coming conference. If we can attract 10 teams then that’s great. Aside from the exposure they would get from joining the league, they (companies) would also be helping a lot of players."

Maniego, however, refused to reveal the name of the companies.

If they get the approval of the board, they will join regular members Welcoat Paints, Magnolia Dairy Ice Cream, Montana Pawnshop, Granny Goose and Toyota Otis.

Eight teams took part in the last conference, the PBL Open Conference, but Bacchus Energy Drinks and Negros Navigation, which bankrolled the participation of San Beda College, have yet to confirm their stint in the coming tourney.

The 2006 season kickoff tourney, which is likely to be billed the Heroes Cup, begins Oct. 29.

The Rookie Draft will be held Sept. 30. Deadline for the submission of applications will be on Tuesday. Eligible to join the rookie draft are players who will not be more than 26 years old on opening day.

The league will also conduct a one-day aspirants camp prior to the Rookie Draft.

Application forms are available at the PBL office now located at Unit 2302A, West Tower, Phil. Stock Exchange Center on Exchange Road, Pasig City.

For more inquiries, contact Lanie Sagayap at tel. nos. 667-3008-09 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.