PBA approves Barako leave, Smart Gilas' entry

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has approved the request of Barako Bull to take a leave of absence from the league's second conference, paving the way for the entry of the Smart Gilas Pilipinas national developmental team. This was announced by PBA commissioner Atty. Chito Salud after Tuesday's team owners' meeting at Edsa Shangri-La Hotel. "Barako Bull's request for a leave of absence in the second conference has been approved, and this means that Smart Gilas’ participation has also been approved," said Salud. "Whether Smart Gilas continuously participates at the end of the second conference or not is optional, subject to the approval of the board." Smart Gilas earlier requested permission to join the import-flavored second conference of Asia's first play-for-pay league as part of its preparation for the coming FIBA Asia Championship, the qualifying event for the 2012 London Olympic Games. The PBA stressed that the schedule for the second conference had already been prepared for a 10-team field. Barako Bull then expressed its intention to temporarily give its spot to Smart Gilas as the league’s 10th member, and the request was granted in a rare meeting with the board of governors and team owners. In Barako Bull's absence, Salud emphasized the team will not get shares from gate receipts and sponsorships. It won't also be allowed to co-brand with Smart Gilas. All games of Smart Gilas against the nine other competing teams will have a bearing on the standings, according to Salud. Corporate bigwigs Manuel V. Pangilinan of the Smart-PLDT group and Ramon Ang of San Miguel Corporation led the team owners who attended the meeting. Also present were Wilfred Steven Uytengsu of Alaska, Raymond Yu and Terry Que of Rain or Shine and Bert Lina of Air21. The board was represented by chairman Rene Pardo of B-Meg Derby Ace, Mamerto Mondragon of Rain or Shine, JB Baylon of Powerade, Robert Non of Ginebra, Manny Mendoza of Barako, Ramon Segismundo of Meralco, Ricky Vargas and Pato Gregorio of Talk 'N Text, Joaqui Trillo of Alaska, and Johann Ramos of Air21. PBA's own coliseum takes a backseat The owners and board members tackled three important matters in the agenda – the PBA's proposed own coliseum, the league's television coverage, and the pro league's role in the formation of the national team. Of the three, the league's proposed coliseum was given the least importance. "The big question raised by most of the team owners is whether it is financially worth it for the PBA to have its own coliseum. I was given three months to study whether this matter should push through or to put it on hold," said Salud. TV coverage given high priority The team owners and governors gave more importance to the league's television coverage, which they thought needed a lot of improvement. "I think marketing and television coverage is more important here," said Ang. Uytengsu, a former PBA chairman, believes the league is facing a big challenge now, but also stressed the significance of having a good television coveror that will carry the games nationwide. "The situation with us right now is challenging. We will do everything to provide a better coverage. We need new format and a new platform. But we have to be practical about it and settle for a UHF channel available. We need time to learn all about new equipment, new technology, but we have to look for a better coveror out there for the future," said Uytengsu. SolarTV, the official coveror of the PBA, informed the league it will not renew its contract that ends in August this year. The TV outlet also asked the pro league regarding its plans to look for a broadcast partner for the remaining two conferences this season. "Our view is that the contract runs until the end of the season. We believe that Channel 9 will still fulfill its contractual obligations with us and will improve the coverage and also become the league's marketing arm," said Pangilinan. 5 pros ideal number to join PHL team As far as the PBA's role in the formation of the national team is concerned, Pangilinan added that five pro players would be the ideal number to join the Smart Gilas squad. "Not more than five pros," said Pangilinan, also the president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, which is in charge of the program of the national basketball team. "The ideal composition will be a blend of old and young players." "Of course, it would be easier if they will tap Talk N Text players," added Pangilinan in jest. Board OKs D-League The board also approved plans for the PBA's Developmental League (D-League), which is tentatively set to unveil in March this year. "There are four teams competing in the PBL which are interested to join the D-League. The ideal is eight teams, but we can start it with at least six," said Salud. "But no matter what happens, it’s a go." Patterned after the National Development League (NBDL) in the United States, the D-League will serve as an in-between league for amateur players looking for playing opportunities after college ball. "This will serve its purpose as a developmental league, open for players 17 to 24 years old," added Salud. - KY, JVP, GMANews.TV