Marbury open to play in PBA, but not now

MANILA, Philippines – Former NBA All-Star guard Stephon Marbury ruled out the possibility of suiting up for the coming PBA Governor's Cup but did not close the door for a future stint in the league.

The 6-2 former two-time NBA All Star is in the country for a brief visit to talk to prospective distributors of his Starbury brand, an affordable shoe and apparel line, aside from extending his help to local charities.

He can easily pass the 6-5 limit for imports in the season-ending conference of the PBA, but a three-year guaranteed deal in China is too good to pass up.

Sheryl Reyes, Marbury's agent in Asia, has disclosed that his ward is set to sign a fresh three-year deal in the CBA, where he enjoyed tremendous success leading to a statue built for him after steering the Beijing Ducks to the league title in the 2011-12 season.

"We chose China because of the longer season they play. Sa PBA, 3-4 months lang ang contract," Reyes told philstar.com.

But Reyes said the 36-year-old guard can still play in the PBA after his contract ends if there will be opportunities.

"At the rate he's been playing [in China], he'll still be a hot commodity even after his three-year contract," Reyes added.

By then, Marbury will be 39, but Reyes believes he can still play top-notch basketball, citing his other ward Asi Taulava as an example.

At 40, Taulava is fresh from an MVP season punctuated by championship with the San Miguel Beermen in the Asean Basketball League that opened another door for a PBA comeback.

"Kung walang offer, Marbury is already set for life with his business in China and hopefully mag-expand dito and the rest of Asia," Reyes said.