MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Basketball Association is seriously considering forming its own developmental league, concerned with the possible breakup of the amateur commercial leagues.
Members of the PBA board of governors agreed the pro league and Philippine basketball as a whole need a strong amateur commercial loop to spur the development of the sport in the country.
Wary of the possible collapse of the PBL and Liga Pilipinas, the board agreed to study a structure of a PBA D-League at the close of its annual planning session in Bangkok, Thailand.
“We anticipate a potential problem because we don’t want to be caught with our pants down,” said PBA commissioner Chito Salud.
“If the PBL and Liga Pilipinas stay on, well and good. We want a viable commercial amateur league. However, it doesn’t look as viable as in the past that’s why we’re looking at an option,” Salud said.
The new PBA commissioner and PBA board chair Rene Pardo said they’re keeping their fingers crossed the PBL and Liga Pilipinas wouldn’t fold up.
“We know it’s not easy. It would be hard for us to also tend the amateur commercial league,” said Salud.
Pardo said the PBA would be forced to go for it if no PBL-Liga tourney is held soon.
“We can’t afford to have that vacuum. There should be a bridge league preparing collegiate players for the pros,” said Pardo.
Also pushing for the enhancement of an amateur commercial league is long-time cage leader Buddy Encarnado.
He said Sta. Lucia Realty, which has sold its PBA franchise to Meralco, is keen on joining the D-League.
“We can’t afford to let that sector unattended. That would be a disservice to Philippine basketball,” said Encarnado.
“The amateur commercial league provides the program to prepare players not only in terms of developing their skills but the maturity aspect. The values we put in this league make the players mature enough and disciplined enough to be a pro player,” Encarnado added.
Encarnado ran a squad in the old PABL before elevating his team to the pro ranks. He handled at one time or another players like Alvin Patrimonio, Allan Caidic, Hector Calma, Dondon Ampalayo, Ronnie Magsanoc, Bong Alvarez, Nelson Asaytono, Glenn Capacio, Alvin Teng and many others.
“The Patrimonios, the Asaytonos, the Marlou Aquinos and others would have entered the PBA half-baked without the PABL,” said Encarnado.