Alaska’s acquisition of Eman legal, says Barrios

Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) commissioner Sonny Barrios said Alaska’s acquisition of Sam Eman is legal, downplaying San Miguel’s claim that the deal was illegal. The Beermen questioned Alaska’s acquisition of the 6-foot-9 slotman. The Aces’ management, led by team owner Wilfred Steven Uytengsu and coach Tim Cone, said that San Miguel is “pressuring the player’s transfer." But Barrios justified his claim stating that Alaska followed league rules in acquiring the services of a player placed on an unrestricted free agent list. “Alaska’s acquisition of San Eman is legal," Barrios told GMANews.TV. “Any player that is put on an unrestricted free agent list can be picked up by any team. I do hope San Miguel now has clear understanding regarding my statement." “Teams cannot change line up on its roster during the playoffs. The reason for this is to avoid teams which were eliminated helping teams which are still playing in the semifinals," added Barrios. “That is why, Eman wasn’t included on San Miguel’s roster in the semis and any team can pick him up. So eventually, Alaska picked Eman," said Barrios. “But even if Alaska had already secured the services of Eman, he cannot play for his new team because of restrictions of changing your line up in the semifinal round. We have a cut off for that." Alaska signed Eman, whose contract with San Miguel ends in July this year, giving the Aces a towering frontline in the coming Fiesta Conference where teams will parade imports not taller than 6-foot-6. Barrios said that Alaska has not yet furnished him a copy of the new contract offered on Eman. The Aces would most likely do that by the end of the best-of-seven finals. – GMANews.TV