PBA to open refs’ academy

PBA officer-in-charge Sonny Barrios said yesterday the pro league will conduct a referees academy on Jan. 4-31 in an effort to rebuild its officiating pool for the future.

“During commissioner Rudy Salud’s term, we did this with Cris Aldiosa to bring in new referees whom we could train,” said Barrios. “We don’t want to depend exclusively on amateur referees, our traditional source of new blood. We’re hoping to gather up to 20 aspirants for the academy.”

Barrios said Salud’s son Chito, now the PBA legal consultant, will take charge of the academy with technical group manager Perry Martinez and officiating consultant Romy Guevara in the teaching team. Sessions will be held in the PBA office on Rodriguez Ave., Libis, and court drills in a nearby gym.

Barrios also mentioned the PBA is still in the hunt for a supervisor of officials. Greg Llaguno was the previous supervisor and held the job briefly until his resignation last September. Past supervisors included Tito Varela and Franco Ilagan. Barrios said he is concurrently the supervisor.

At the moment, the PBA pool consists of 20 referees, including five rookies. Barrios said FIBA technical official Allan Richardson, who recently conducted two seminars in Manila, recommended the formula of two referees for every team in the league.

Barrios said he welcomes the application of Fil-Am referee Riel Banaria, now working in the Korean Basketball League (KBL).

“We’re always on the lookout for competent referees,” said Barrios. “But I wonder if we can afford him.”

Banaria, the only Filipino referee who has worked games involving NBA players, is eager to work in the PBA.

Banaria, 37, was born in Marikina and has lived in the US nearly all his life. He played high school basketball at Bishop Gibbons in Albany, New York, and attended the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. In 1996, Banaria began his career as a referee working college basketball games in the Pacific-10 and Mountain West Conferences.

Last March, Banaria got a big break when he was invited to officiate in the NBA summer league in Las Vegas. After an impressive showing, Banaria was tapped to work the practice games of the US squad that later swept the FIBA-Americas Olympic qualifiers.

“This summer was very memorable as I was able to work many high-level games,” said Banaria. “My most memorable was the chance to officiate this year’s US team. That was very exciting for me. Imagine the starting five for the US team on the same court with me as referee. Jason Kidd, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire. My heart beat a mile a minute.”

Banaria said his ultimate goal is to break into the NBA but it’s a dream that remains elusive.

Although the NBA is in the back of his mind, a chance to work in the PBA would be a blessing for Banaria.

“I can contribute to Philippine basketball by learning and teaching about officiating in the PBA,” he said. “From my experience, I can help officials and they, in turn, can help me. We can all benefit and get better games that are officiated consistently and at a high level for players and coaches to appreciate. This makes for good games for players, coaches and the fans, games that people remember and enjoy and don’t remember the officials, which means the officials did a good job.”

Banaria said he is aware of the change in officiating philosophy in the PBA.

“I want very much to officiate in the PBA,” he went on. “That would complete a lifelong goal of mine. I’ve emailed my relatives in the Philippines telling how much I would enjoy an opportunity to officiate. I do know that the PBA has changed to FIBA rules and style of basketball. My experience with FIBA rules was working with the US team last summer. I will officiate any game dictated by the rules that apply.”

As for his NBA dream, Banaria said he’s already been spotted as a potential candidate. “I don’t know how close I am to getting an NBA job,” he said. “I pray to God that I get an opportunity to work in the NBA. The director of officials, Ronnie Nunn, and several supervisors have seen me work and they’ve said good things about me.”

In the meantime, Banaria took a job as a full-time referee in the KBL.

“The opportunity to work in the KBL is a step in the right direction in getting a chance for a job in the NBA,” he continued. “Many people are helping my progress and development, especially Jesse Thompson (former PBA technical consultant). With hard work, I hope I get an opportunity in the near future.”

Banaria relocated to Seoul with his wife Bernadette Velasquez and their one-year-old daughter Kirsten last October. His KBL contract ends in May. Then, he plans to visit Manila with his family.

Banaria’s last trip to Manila was in 2000 for a month. It was only his third visit since migrating to the US.