Is the formation of a PBA Development League as inevitable as it is imperative?
Indications point to both conclusions.
On Jan. 25, PBA Commissioner Chito Salud will present to the PBA Board
of Governors a blueprint of a farm league inspired by the NBA D-League
and which seeks to serve as a stepping board for collegiate players
eyeing careers on the professional stage.
At least three companies – San Miguel Beer through alternate governor
Robert Non, Meralco through governor Ramon Segismundo and Maynilad
through former chairman Ricky Vargas – have signified their intention
to field teams.
The D-League will be open to other interested ballclubs not belonging
to the PBA, the Office of the Commissioner said.
“The PBA is not just about being the country’s top sports
entertainment league,” Salud said. “Our constitution mandates us to be
involved in the development of Philippine basketball and to encourage
greater participation in the game by opening new areas of
competition.”
With its passage with the governors all but guaranteed, the D-League
is looking at a February or March launch. No name has yet been
mentioned as a possible tournament director.
A non-PBA company, Healthwell Nutraceuaticals, reportedly has also
sent word of its interest to join.
Just recently, PBA chairman Rene Pardo said the D-League has been
approved in principle with Salud tasked to refine the mechanics for
their formal approval.
“The consensus was that we need a jump-off league for amateurs looking
to go up to the PBA,” said Pardo. “The board made some inputs for the
commissioner to consider.”(PR)
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