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PBA teams await Board's decision on loaning of players to Asiad


BANGKOK – Like the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and the RP-Smart Gilas national developmental team, Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) ball clubs, whose players are being eyed to reinforce the national squad, are also eagerly awaiting the decision of the league Board about the sensitive matter. Both Powerade’s Bo Perasol and Talk `N Text’s Chot Reyes have expressed their eagerness to know where the league exactly stands on the issue in order for them to know exactly how the Tigers and Tropang Texters will handle their respective campaigns early in the Philippine Cup. The season-opening tournament kicks off on Oct. 3 and is already underway by the time the RP-Smart Gilas squad sees action in the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China. “We still don’t know if we’re going to play with or without Asi," said Perasol. “But of course, with or without Asi, we’ll be ready to play in the Philippine Cup." Reyes meanwhile, told GMANews.TV earlier, that as far as Talk `N text is concerned, “there is no problem with us loaning to RP-Smart Gilas for the Asian Games. “We’re willing to sacrifice for the country, but we want the cooperation of the PBA as well," added the Talk `N Text mentor, who himself is expected to miss the All-Filipino meet in its early stages as he will serve as special assistant to coach Rajko Toroman in the Nov. 12-25 Asiad. Asi Taulava (Powerade), Kelly Williams (Talk `N Text) and James Yap (Derby Ace) are three of the players being requested by the SBP from the PBA to reinforce the national team bound for the Asiad. League chairman Rene Pardo of Derby Ace presided over the Board’s annual planning session here late Sunday, specifically discussing the pros and cons of the SBP request, which serves as the major agenda of the two-day meeting. Aside from Pardo, other Board members present were vice chairman Mamerto Mondragon (Rain or Shine), treasurer JB Baylon (Powerade), and members Robert Non (Ginebra), Ely Capacio (San Miguel), Patrick Gregorio (Talk `N Text), Joaqui Trillo, Ramon Segismundo (Meralco), Johan Ramos (Air21) and Manny Mendoza (Barako Bull). The two-day brainstorming that ends Monday was also the first to be held under the leadership of newly-installed commissioner Chito Salud, who himself presented to the Board the special fashion show the league is sponsoring dubbed `Pormang PBA.’ Ms. Universe 4th runner-up Venus Raj and the rest of the Bb. Pilipinas winners topbill the event that also features PBA players parading on the ramp in their formal, casual and sporty attires. The Feb. 25 show is being held in cooperation with the Bb. Pilipinas Charity Inc. Salud is also looking forward to getting the nod of the Board on the modified playing rules being implemented under his leadership. Other major issues expected to be discussed are the heights of imports allowed to play in the second and third conferences, respectively, after the league’s decision to revert to its old three-conference format, and the possibility of the PBA establishing its own Developmental League in the wake of reports that the merger between the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) and Liga Pilipinas didn't work out. - RCJ, GMANews.TV.
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