BI bureaucracy forces Fil-Ams out

Count Rob Reyes out of this year’s PBA draft.

The 6-foot-6 Fil-American who could have made an impact in the PBA yesterday decided to sit out this season due to his difficulty meeting the requirements needed for him to join the draft.

Reyes’ agent Charlie Dy said the 23-year-old product of the Flagler College in Florida will fly out of the country tomorrow, leaving behind his dreams of playing in the PBA this season.

Reyes, whose father Ed is the brother of former PBA player and Ateneo Blue Eagle Eric Reyes, carries a legitimate Philippine passport, but has failed to secure the recognition from the Bureau of Immigration.

Reyes and his agent with the help of a lawyer have been working on his immigration papers for over a month now. Once secured, all they would have needed was the confirmation from the Department of Justice.

But time has almost run out on Reyes who was given by PBA commissioner Noli Eala until Aug. 13 to secure his papers that would pave the way for his entry into the annual rookie draft on Aug. 20.

"I thank commissioner Noli Eala for the extension but I don’t think my documents will come out within the grace period," said Reyes in a statement forwarded to The STAR.

Just the same, he couldn’t hide his disappointment.

"I already have a legitimate Philippine passport and they’re still making it hard for me. I believe God has better plans for me. I will just re-apply next year when I already have the immigration recognition and DOJ affirmation," he said.

Joe Devance, who played for Toyota Otis in the PBL, has also reportedly decided to stay out of the draft. Another Fil-American, Kelly Williams, has been given the green light by the PBA after securing the required documents.

Reyes wanted to secure the needed papers legally and by the book, even if it meant he needed three months to do so, and therefore give up his hopes of joining the coming draft.

"I have set a precedence of working (on my papers) ethically and by the book. I don’t have to compromise that now. My efforts will pay off in the end and I would have done it the right way," he added.

Dy felt that there was still enough time, but his player had already made up his mind, saying he didn’t want to waste the time of the teams that may show interest in him only to find out later on that he’s ineligible.

Reyes was even asked by the PBA to join the rookie camp that started yesterday and would last until Saturday, while he worked on his papers.

"But he didn’t want to cause any trouble for the teams or the coaches. He just decided to leave," said Dy, adding that Reyes has vowed to stay in shape and return in time for the PBL’s next conference where he’ll play for Harbour Centre.