NBA ref eager to work in PBA

MANILA, Philippines - Riel Banaria’s claim to fame as a referee is having worked exhibition games involving stars like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash but now that he’s relocated from Las Vegas to Manila, he no longer dreams of a career in the NBA. Instead, he’s hoping to be able to contribute to the improvement of officiating in the PBA.

Banaria, 39, was born in Manila and moved to Las Vegas when he was three with his father Francisco and mother Luzviminda Cabagan. The oldest of three children, he got his first officiating assignment in intramural basketball at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas (UNLV) in 1996.

“I tried out for the UNLV team but didn’t make it,” said Banaria who traces his roots to Isabela and the Bicol region. “I’ve always enjoyed being around athletes and when I didn’t make it to the varsity team, I thought of doing work as a referee. Before long, I was invited to do junior college games. I enjoyed it and I was encouraged by league officials to pursue officiating as a career. After I got my recreation degree at UNLV in 1998, I worked for a car tinting shop and started to do games in bigger leagues.”

In 2001, Banaria got his big NCAA Division I break officiating in the Pacific-10 and Mountain West conferences. That led to stints in four NBA summer leagues, the USA 2008 Olympic team exhibitions and the NBA preseason last October.

“I don’t think any other Filipino has ever worked an NBA game,” said Banaria. “I got my chance before this past season started because the regular referees were negotiating a new contract. I did five games, including Golden State versus the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix versus Philadelphia and Utah versus Sacramento. It was an incredible experience and I tried not to be awed by the stars. Up close, I realized how fundamentally sound they all are – Kobe, Nash, Deron Williams. Take Nash, for example. I was just so amazed at how he’s always squared up for his shot, at whatever angle. On defense and offense, they’re unbelievable players. They’re actually fun to watch.”

Banaria recalled a slight run-in with Bryant.

“ Kobe shot a layup and I missed calling a goal-tending,” he recounted. “He yelled at me. I couldn’t really hear what he said. I was focused on the game. Later, during a dead-ball, I walked up to him, admitted my mistake and told him it’s not going to happen again. We’re not perfect, we make mistakes like players miss jumpshots. I don’t claim to be the best referee out there but I’m doing what I can to get better. When I make a mistake, I admit it. I think referees in the NBA or PBA should own up to their mistakes. Sometimes, referees are too quick in calling technicals when they can talk things over with players especially when they make a wrong call or miss a call. Referees shouldn’t be afraid to discuss things with players or coaches. It’s not arguing, it’s talking to them. Of course, there’s a time to bite your tongue and clam up, too.”

Banaria resettled here early this year with wife Bernadette and their children Kirsten, 3, and Kristopher, 1. Oldest child Kelsey, 12, is finishing up studies in Las Vegas before relocating. Banaria bought a home in Pasig and is in the country permanently. He works for a company that distributes Korean goods, including colored muscle or therapeutic tape, Tsokolate children’s clothes and products for commercial and residential flooring and wall cladding.

Banaria said he’d like to get involved in the PBA.

“I submitted my resume to the PBA,” he said. “I was told to enroll in a referees academy but later, I was informed it was canceled. When I watch PBA games, I sit with Mr. (Romy) Guevara and we talk about officiating. We’re in the same train of thought. I think if we improve officiating, more people will watch the PBA. The game would be more exciting if players are able to get up and down the court without too many stoppages. Fans like to see multiple shots at the basket. You notice how they roar when there is a series of offensive rebounds. When there are interruptions, it’s difficult for fans to get into the game. I just think we should minimize stoppages and let the players play.”

Banaria said if commissioner Chito Salud is agreeable, he could serve as a consultant initially in the next conference then run the floor in the succeeding conference. “If commissioner Salud permits it, I would be happy to come aboard,” he said. “I’ve always dreamed of being a teacher or an educator. Whatever I’ve learned as a referee in the NCAA Division I, the Korean league (where he worked in 2007-08) and the NBA, I hope to share with our PBA referees.”

At the moment, Banaria is occupied with marketing the Korean muscle tape which is now officially endorsed by the Ateneo sports program, the Philippine women’s basketball team, Jaymie (The Bull Runner) Pizarro and soon, the PBA.

“Our muscle tape is therapeutic and enhances performance, brings more oxygen to the muscles, relieves tired and sore muscles, increases rehabilitation and prevents injuries,” he said. “The tape comes in different colors and the adhesive doesn’t irritate the skin. Anyone can use it from the pro to the weekend warrior and in any sport or activity, from basketball to soccer to badminton to squash to dancing to swimming to aerobics to running.”

Banaria said he’s in town to stay.

“My family is here for good as we enjoy meeting new people and seeing new things, we consider this an adventure,” he said. “Maybe, one day, I’ll get a chance to referee again. Officiating, after all, was the reason why I got the opportunity to be here.”

For inquiries about muscle tape or officiating, Banaria may be contacted at 0918-8831213.