Narvasa pledges support for SBP

Basketball Coaches of the Philippines (BCAP) president Chito Narvasa said the other day he fully supports the unification efforts of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and Philippine Long Distance Tel. Co. chairman Manny Pangilinan in applying for Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and FIBA (Federation Internationale de Basketball) recognition of the Samahang Basketbol Ng Pilipinas (SBP).

Narvasa said while the BCAP took a neutral position in the past, the times call for a strong stand against the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) which is obstructing the development and progress of the country’s cage program.

BCAP’s neutrality was the expedient policy in protecting its members’ affiliation with institutions related to BAP, Pilipinas Basketball (PB) or whatever else. But Narvasa said the issue is now more than just about the BCAP and its members.

"We’re basically personality-based, not institution-based," said Narvasa. "So when there was a clash between the BAP and PB, we decided to stay neutral. Recent developments have forced us to make a change in our position."

Narvasa revealed that a few days ago, the BCAP Executive Board met to discuss the issues that divide Philippine basketball and decided to go all out in backing the SBP because of the sincerity displayed by Estrada and Pangilinan.

Narvasa named Philippine Basketball Association coaches Yeng Guiao and Alfrancis Chua, former University of Sto. Tomas star Val Rosabal of Cagayan de Oro and Lyceum athletic director Tanny Gonzalez as the other members of the BCAP Executive Board rallying behind the SBP.

"When the BAP took out Sen. Estrada as president, it was clear the best interest of Philippine basketball was no longer being served," said Narvasa. "We support those who are sincere in their efforts to unite basketball. There was never any doubt that from the start, Mr. Pangilinan was sincere and remains sincere in its commitment for the good of the country and the sport we all love."

Narvasa said the BAP’s reason for removing Estrada is flimsy and irrelevant. The BAP declared the presidency vacant because Estrada had agreed to abide by the terms of the Tokyo communiqué where BAP and PB officials committed to merge their organizations into a unified body.

"In my opinion, the name of the unified organization should be decided by the stakeholders," said Narvasa. "There is no reason to keep the BAP. Let’s just forget about the BAP and move forward with the unified body. The basis for unification is sincerity, nothing else."

Narvasa said he was prompted to take a decisive move because "we just can’t sit around anymore."

The crisis has escalated to a level where ties must be cut to isolate the obstacles that threaten to derail the unification process.

"If the SBP calls for a national congress, the BCAP will join and be counted as a supporter of the unification effort," said Narvasa. "We should expose the BAP as nothing more than a brotherhood with an agenda. I believe in Mr. Pangilinan and his ability to unify all basketball stakeholders who are committed to serve the best interests of the country. The BCAP stands by him, Sen. Estrada and the SBP."

POC spokesman Joey Romasanta said even former BAP president Joey Lina has expressed support for Estrada in moving the SBP forward.

Romasanta shared a text message that Lina sent to Estrada, saying "You did the right move, you have my support, continue working for the unity in basketball."

By the way, Estrada said there was no political implication in his removal as BAP president.

When Estrada flew to Hong Kong three days before Christmas to confer with Pangilinan and PBA chairman Ricky Vargas on the steps to take in pursuing the unification efforts, he said BAP secretary-general Graham Lim advised him to just "dribble the ball" — in other words, keep things hanging.

Lim also asked Estrada not to attend the SBP press conference in Makati last Monday.

"I have a mind of my own," said Estrada. "I’d like to think that’s why I was voted a senator. I am abiding by the Tokyo communiqué because it’s like an international treaty. That’s binding on all of us. My decision is to help and unite all basketball stakeholders. With the merger, we can’t go wrong."

Basketball legend Allan Caidic said he’s sure the BAP regional directors will join the SBP because unification is the best thing that could ever happen to Philippine basketball. It’s the only way to convince FIBA to lift the country’s suspension.