Pumaren keen on ABA player exchange plan

LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Newly installed La Salle coach Dindo Pumaren said ABA Global has good programs which could raise the level of competition and boost the popularity of the sport worldwide.

Pumaren said La Salle is looking at the possibility of joining some of ABA Global’s endeavors, the reason he was sent by the school here to attend the ABA Summit at the Las Vegas Country Club Tuesday.

The former national player and long-time PBA star, who has taken over the head coaching chores at La Salle from older brother Franz, said they’re particularly interested in availing themselves of ABA Global’s player exchange program.

“If it pushes through, then it’s good for the sport. We certainly want to join. If our players are chosen to be part of the player exchange program, we’ll be very happy. I’m sure our players will learn a lot from the ABA players,” said Pumaren.

Under this particular program, ABA Global vice chairman Paul Monozca said he’s got concession from US ABA for some of its teams to open up slots for Filipino players.

Monozca said the US ABA will have its 10 top teams enlisting a Filipino player each once every three years.

“If we get at least two or three Filipino players breaking into the US ABA next year, I’m already very happy,” said Monozca. “It’s been a dream by the country to see a Filipino player play in the big stage.”

Monozca said the Philippines is assured of slots in the ABA China Games next year and in the ABA World Basketball Cup in 2011.

“I understand we’re being invited to play in China to play in friendship games. But if we go there, we would rather play without imports. Playing with imports defeats our purpose of preparing our players for the UAAP,” said Pumaren.

The new La Salle coach believes his team will be championship contender in two years.

Pumaren mentioned 6-foot-8 La Salle Zobel center Van Upsta giving his commitment to join the Archers in the next UAAP campaign. He also said former national player Norberto Torres, after serving two-year residency at La Salle, will finally be eligible to don the Archers jersey in 2011.