Marlon Adolfo scored 25 points, Jayson Deutchman added 16 and 10
rebounds and Pharex overcome a big early deficit on the way to 100-90
victory against Black Water Thursday in the PBA D-League Foundation
Cup at The Arena in San Juan.
Raymond Aguilar collected 14 points and Chester Taylor and Jeff
Viernes each scored 10 points for the Batang Generix, who turned the
game by scoring 11 of the first 15 points in the second quarter.
Viernes was banished off the court with five minutes left in the game
after hitting Rocky Acidre with a wayward elbow in the head.
In the other game, Cebuana Lhuillier lost star guard Benedict
Fernandez early in the third quarter but got solid performances from
Alain Maliksi, Marvis Hayes anad James Sena to defuse a tough
challenge from Café France for an 83-62 victory in Group B.
The Gems trailed by one points after 10 minutes, but held café France
to 2 of 25 shooting in the second quarter to seize control. Then
Maliksi (16 points) and Sena (12 points, 10 rebounds) took charge in
the third as Cebuana Lhuillier ripped the game open. Hayes also scored
12 points and grabbed 12 boards.
“It’s tough to play collegiate players because they have a system. But
I thought our defense was good and we made good shot selection in the
second half,” said Cebuana Lhuillier coach Luigi Trillo, the youngest
coach in the league at 35.
Fernandez, a free agent, managed just five points before being thrown
out of the game with eight minutes left in the third for plan ting his
foot on the landing spot of a shooting player.
Leeward Labaton and Jewel Ponferada each scored 13 points for Café France.
“Our defense is kind of soft early. But we’re lucky we were able to
turn it around,” said Pharex coach Gian Carlo Tan.
Tan said team was formed only two weeks before the tournament and
pointed to its lack of chemistry as also a factor to their poor start.
“The team has not really experience a time to bond and know each
other. Good thing we defense hold and enable us to win. I hope we jell
sooner than later,” Tan said.
Rocky Acidre scored 22 points and Gio Ciriacruz had 21 for Black Water
which allowed a big, early lead to dissipate. To make matters worse,
the Elites committed 20 tunrovers.
Mentored by Leo Isaac, Black Water got their offense going early and
roared to a 17-5 lead.
But Pharex, which tied NLEX and RnW Pacific Pipes for lead in Group A,
rallied and outscored Black Water, 15-3, the rest of the period to tie
at 20-20.
With the Bidang Generix frontline of Adolfo, Duetchman and Aguilar
taking charge in the third, Pharex opened a 31-25 lead and never
trailed again.
The scores
First Game
Pharex 100 – Adolfo 25, Deutchman 16, Aguilar 14, Viernes 10, Taylor
10, Banal 8, Mangahas 5, Asoro 4, Morial 4, Tecson 3, Montilla 1.
Black Water 90 – Acidre 22, Ciriacruz 21, Celeda 12, Zulueta 12, Mazo
10, Belorio 8, Lapuz 2, J.Del Rosario 2, Del Rosario 1, Zaret 0.
Quarters: 20-20; 48-44; 74-67; 100-90
Second Game
Cebuana Lhuillier 83 – Maliksi 16, Hayes 12, Sena 12, Alas 9, Eunon 8,
Nabong 6, Mepana 5, Fernandez 5, Semira 5, Mandani 2, Lee 2, Llagas
12, bagatsing 0, Canta 0.
Café France 62 – Ponferada 13, Lobaton 13, Bulangis 12, Rublico 8,
Banas 5, Gallardo 4, Magbiutang 3, Mejos 3, Almario 1, Babad 0,
Graebel 0, Garcia 0.
Quarters: 16-17; 33-29; 42-61; 83-62 (pr)
Friday, March 18, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Cebuana Lhuillier sees action for the first time
March 16, 2011
Games today
(San Juan Arena)
2 p.m. – Pharex vs. Blackwater Elite
4 p.m. – CaféFrance vs. Cebuana Lhuillier
FOCUS will be on title contender Cebuana Lhuillier when it sees action
for the first time in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup which returns to
The Arena in San Juan this afternoon.
With former pro players Benedict Fernandez (Barako Bull) and Kelvin
Gregorio (Sta. Lucia), as well as college standouts James Ryan Sena,
Marvin Hayes and Kevin Alas, son of Letran mentor and Philippine
Patriots coach Louie Alas, the Jewelers, have been installed as among
the early favorites for the title together with the NLEX Road
Warriors.
Luigi Trillo, who once led the Jewelers to a runner-up finish in the
PBL, will once again handle the team.
Testing the mettle of Cebuana Lhuillier right away is CaféFrance in a
battle among Group B teams at 4 p.m.
National Youth team 3-on-3 coach Mon Jose will be calling the shots
for the team, whose main core is composed of the Centro Escolar
Scorpions, with help from National University’s Jewel Ponferrada and
Jose Rizal University’s Ildefonson Bulangis.
Meanwhile, Group A teams Pharex and Blackwater Elite clash against
each other to open the day’s hostilities at 2 p.m.
Showing the way for the Bidang Generix are PBA rookie free-agent
Edwin Asoro, one-time UST and Harbour Centre stalwart Chester Taylor
and Fil-Am free agent Jason Deutchman.
Gian Carlo Tan will once again assume his long-time role as coach of
the Bidang Generix, also once a runner up in the PBL behind a team
backstopped by now PBA players Josh Urbiztondo and Chris Ross.
Blackwater Elite brings back the men behind the Blu team in the PBL
led by team manager Silliman Sy and coach Leo Isaac, who has tapped
the services of the Arellano Chiefs to reinforce the ball club led by
Giorgio Ciriacruz.
Teams which posted early wins in the fledgling league that serves as
farm tournament of the PBA are Pacific Pipes and NLEX in Group A, and
FCA Cultivators and Cobra in Group B. (pr)
Games today
(San Juan Arena)
2 p.m. – Pharex vs. Blackwater Elite
4 p.m. – CaféFrance vs. Cebuana Lhuillier
FOCUS will be on title contender Cebuana Lhuillier when it sees action
for the first time in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup which returns to
The Arena in San Juan this afternoon.
With former pro players Benedict Fernandez (Barako Bull) and Kelvin
Gregorio (Sta. Lucia), as well as college standouts James Ryan Sena,
Marvin Hayes and Kevin Alas, son of Letran mentor and Philippine
Patriots coach Louie Alas, the Jewelers, have been installed as among
the early favorites for the title together with the NLEX Road
Warriors.
Luigi Trillo, who once led the Jewelers to a runner-up finish in the
PBL, will once again handle the team.
Testing the mettle of Cebuana Lhuillier right away is CaféFrance in a
battle among Group B teams at 4 p.m.
National Youth team 3-on-3 coach Mon Jose will be calling the shots
for the team, whose main core is composed of the Centro Escolar
Scorpions, with help from National University’s Jewel Ponferrada and
Jose Rizal University’s Ildefonson Bulangis.
Meanwhile, Group A teams Pharex and Blackwater Elite clash against
each other to open the day’s hostilities at 2 p.m.
Showing the way for the Bidang Generix are PBA rookie free-agent
Edwin Asoro, one-time UST and Harbour Centre stalwart Chester Taylor
and Fil-Am free agent Jason Deutchman.
Gian Carlo Tan will once again assume his long-time role as coach of
the Bidang Generix, also once a runner up in the PBL behind a team
backstopped by now PBA players Josh Urbiztondo and Chris Ross.
Blackwater Elite brings back the men behind the Blu team in the PBL
led by team manager Silliman Sy and coach Leo Isaac, who has tapped
the services of the Arellano Chiefs to reinforce the ball club led by
Giorgio Ciriacruz.
Teams which posted early wins in the fledgling league that serves as
farm tournament of the PBA are Pacific Pipes and NLEX in Group A, and
FCA Cultivators and Cobra in Group B. (pr)
Monday, March 14, 2011
Joe Devance is Player of the Week
JOE Devance put up monster numbers for Alaska in the week that was, earning for
himself the Accel-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week citation for the period
March 7 to 13.
The do-it-all forward notched averages of 20.5 points, 15.5 rebounds and 5.0
assists in leading the Aces to back-to-back wins over the San Miguel Beermen and
B-MEG Derby Ace Llamados.
Those figures got him the scribes’ nod over teammate LA Tenorio, who was also
impressive with his own two-game averages of 18 points, 4.5 rebounds and 7.5
assists.
Devance said he was just trying to do what he can in helping Alaska’s campaign
in the import-laden Commissioner’s Cup.
“I’m really trying to get my teammates involved and have fun while doing it,”
said the 27-year-old southpaw.
“I have great teammates and coaching staff that believe in me. Our system is fit
for me to do well. I just make it a point to go hard every time I’m on the
court.”
This determination showed when Devance notched 22 points, seven rebounds and
five assists as Alaska fended off SMB, 96-94, last Wednesday. He scattered 19 of
his points in the first three quarters that helped the Aces build up a cushion
that took the sting off the Beermen’s endgame comeback.
Against Derby Ace, Devance was even more devastating as he poured in 19 points
on top of a gamehigh 14 rebounds in a 97-91 win. He scored all but two of the
Aces’ last eight points inside the final two minutes
Those victories jacked Alaska’s win-loss record to 4-1 and kept it right on
track to advancing into the next round.
For sure, Devance will continue to be a pillar of strength in the Aces’ drive.(pr)
himself the Accel-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week citation for the period
March 7 to 13.
The do-it-all forward notched averages of 20.5 points, 15.5 rebounds and 5.0
assists in leading the Aces to back-to-back wins over the San Miguel Beermen and
B-MEG Derby Ace Llamados.
Those figures got him the scribes’ nod over teammate LA Tenorio, who was also
impressive with his own two-game averages of 18 points, 4.5 rebounds and 7.5
assists.
Devance said he was just trying to do what he can in helping Alaska’s campaign
in the import-laden Commissioner’s Cup.
“I’m really trying to get my teammates involved and have fun while doing it,”
said the 27-year-old southpaw.
“I have great teammates and coaching staff that believe in me. Our system is fit
for me to do well. I just make it a point to go hard every time I’m on the
court.”
This determination showed when Devance notched 22 points, seven rebounds and
five assists as Alaska fended off SMB, 96-94, last Wednesday. He scattered 19 of
his points in the first three quarters that helped the Aces build up a cushion
that took the sting off the Beermen’s endgame comeback.
Against Derby Ace, Devance was even more devastating as he poured in 19 points
on top of a gamehigh 14 rebounds in a 97-91 win. He scored all but two of the
Aces’ last eight points inside the final two minutes
Those victories jacked Alaska’s win-loss record to 4-1 and kept it right on
track to advancing into the next round.
For sure, Devance will continue to be a pillar of strength in the Aces’ drive.(pr)
D-League Foundation Cup resumes Tuesday
Games on Tuesday
(FEU gym)
2 p.m. – Junior Powerade vs. FCA
4 p.m. – Freego Jeans vs. NLEX
FOUR more teams, including pre-tournament favorite NLEX, make their respective debuts at the resumption of the 2011 PBA D-League Foundation Cup Tuesday at the FEU gym.
On the second playing day of the fledgling league, Junior Powerade takes on the FCA Cultivators in the opening match set at 2 p.m., before Freego Jeans tests the mettle of the highly-fancied Road Warriors in the main game two hours later.
That all eyes are on NLEX is understandable.
With PBA champion coach Boyet Fernandez at the helm, the Road Warriors assembled a deadly roster whose core is made up of former PBA player Ogie Menor, collegiate standouts Eric Salamat of three-time UAAP champion Ateneo and Calvin Abueva, who won an NCAA title with San Sebastian and Excelroof in the PBL. Abueva was also adjudged Finals MVP in the PBL’s final conference in 2010.
But Freego Jeans is expected to give NLEX a tough fight as the team has for its nucleus the Adamson Falcons team that made the Final Four of the last year’s UAAP season led by Julius Colina, Alexander Nuyles, and Lester Alvarez.
Leo Austria, the soft-spoken but very capable mentor of the Falcons, will also call the shots for the team.
The Junior Tigers, meanwhile, are backstopped by the UP Fighting Maroons team of coach Ricky Dandan led by big man Magi Sison.
The farm team of Powerade also boasts of the twin tower combination of former La Salle Archer Brian Ilad (6’6) and Fil-Am Mark Anthony Jeffries (6’5).
The Cultivators will lean on former Mapua standout Sean Co, Alfred Gerilla, and a host of former collegiate standouts to be handled by coach Arsenio Dysangco.
Pacific Pipes and Cobra Energy Drink currently share top spot after winning their respective matches on opening day at The Arena in San Juan. (pr)
(FEU gym)
2 p.m. – Junior Powerade vs. FCA
4 p.m. – Freego Jeans vs. NLEX
FOUR more teams, including pre-tournament favorite NLEX, make their respective debuts at the resumption of the 2011 PBA D-League Foundation Cup Tuesday at the FEU gym.
On the second playing day of the fledgling league, Junior Powerade takes on the FCA Cultivators in the opening match set at 2 p.m., before Freego Jeans tests the mettle of the highly-fancied Road Warriors in the main game two hours later.
That all eyes are on NLEX is understandable.
With PBA champion coach Boyet Fernandez at the helm, the Road Warriors assembled a deadly roster whose core is made up of former PBA player Ogie Menor, collegiate standouts Eric Salamat of three-time UAAP champion Ateneo and Calvin Abueva, who won an NCAA title with San Sebastian and Excelroof in the PBL. Abueva was also adjudged Finals MVP in the PBL’s final conference in 2010.
But Freego Jeans is expected to give NLEX a tough fight as the team has for its nucleus the Adamson Falcons team that made the Final Four of the last year’s UAAP season led by Julius Colina, Alexander Nuyles, and Lester Alvarez.
Leo Austria, the soft-spoken but very capable mentor of the Falcons, will also call the shots for the team.
The Junior Tigers, meanwhile, are backstopped by the UP Fighting Maroons team of coach Ricky Dandan led by big man Magi Sison.
The farm team of Powerade also boasts of the twin tower combination of former La Salle Archer Brian Ilad (6’6) and Fil-Am Mark Anthony Jeffries (6’5).
The Cultivators will lean on former Mapua standout Sean Co, Alfred Gerilla, and a host of former collegiate standouts to be handled by coach Arsenio Dysangco.
Pacific Pipes and Cobra Energy Drink currently share top spot after winning their respective matches on opening day at The Arena in San Juan. (pr)
Saturday, March 12, 2011
PBA D-League formally sets in motion
Games March 12, 2011
(The Arena, San Juan)
11:00 a.m. – Opening ceremonies
12:00 noon - RnW Pacific Pipes vs. PC Gilmore
2:00 p.m. – Maynilad vs. Cobra Energy Drink
A new era dawns in the country’s basketball landscape as the PBA
Developmental League (PBA D-League) formally sets in motion Saturday at The
Arena in San Juan.
An exciting doubleheader ushers in the staging of the maiden
tournament to be known
as the Foundation Cup, with Pacific Pipes and PC Gilmore providing the
breakthrough game of the newest cage tournament in the land designed
to hone talents eventually play for Asia’s pioneering pro league.
The two teams take to the floor just before noon, shortly after a
lively opening ceremony officially welcoming the 13 pioneering ball
clubs.
PBA chairman Rene Pardo and PBA Commissioner Chito Salud will grace
the short but colrful rites to welcome the PBA D-League’s member clubs and
declare the conference open.
From the Philippine Basketball League (PBL), the Cobra Ironmen take
their act to the D-League, battling the Maynilad Water Dragons in the
main game set at 2 p.m.
Handled by collegiate champion coach Frankie Lim, the Dragons are
bannered by the
core of the San Beda squad that went undefeated in 18 games last
season to win the
NCAA men’s basketball title. At the helm of Maynilad’s campaign are
Red Lion stalwarts Garvo Lanete, Rome de la Rosa and season and Finals
Most Valuable Player (MVP) Sudan Daniel.
Cobra will be mentored by former University of the East Warriors head
coach Lawrence Chongson with former PBL MVP Paul Lee as their
designated go-to-guy.
PC Gilmore meanwhile, will be boosted by the roster of the St. Benilde
Blazers under Coach Richard del Rosario, whose wards will be headed by 2010 NCAA
Rookie of the Year Carl John Lastimosa, nephew of PBA great and
current Alaska assistant coach Jojo Lastimosa.
The PBA D-League’s inaugural season will also see former playmaker
Topex Robinson finally branching out into coaching as he is tasked to
call the shots for Pacific Pipes, which tapped the services of
one-time PBL MVP Vic Manuel and PBA free agent Jim Bruce Viray.
The 13 teams have been bracketed into two groups for the classification phase.
PC Gilmore and Pacific Pipes are bunched together in Group A along with Pharex
Naproxen Sodium, Freego Jeans, Blackwater Elite and the NLEX Road Warriors.
Belonging to Group B are Maynilad, Cobra, Café France, Cebuana Lhuillier, FCA
Cultivators, Max! Bond Super Glue Sumos and Junior Powerade Tigers.
The top two teams in each group advance to the second round of the
playoffs outright.(pr)
(The Arena, San Juan)
11:00 a.m. – Opening ceremonies
12:00 noon - RnW Pacific Pipes vs. PC Gilmore
2:00 p.m. – Maynilad vs. Cobra Energy Drink
A new era dawns in the country’s basketball landscape as the PBA
Developmental League (PBA D-League) formally sets in motion Saturday at The
Arena in San Juan.
An exciting doubleheader ushers in the staging of the maiden
tournament to be known
as the Foundation Cup, with Pacific Pipes and PC Gilmore providing the
breakthrough game of the newest cage tournament in the land designed
to hone talents eventually play for Asia’s pioneering pro league.
The two teams take to the floor just before noon, shortly after a
lively opening ceremony officially welcoming the 13 pioneering ball
clubs.
PBA chairman Rene Pardo and PBA Commissioner Chito Salud will grace
the short but colrful rites to welcome the PBA D-League’s member clubs and
declare the conference open.
From the Philippine Basketball League (PBL), the Cobra Ironmen take
their act to the D-League, battling the Maynilad Water Dragons in the
main game set at 2 p.m.
Handled by collegiate champion coach Frankie Lim, the Dragons are
bannered by the
core of the San Beda squad that went undefeated in 18 games last
season to win the
NCAA men’s basketball title. At the helm of Maynilad’s campaign are
Red Lion stalwarts Garvo Lanete, Rome de la Rosa and season and Finals
Most Valuable Player (MVP) Sudan Daniel.
Cobra will be mentored by former University of the East Warriors head
coach Lawrence Chongson with former PBL MVP Paul Lee as their
designated go-to-guy.
PC Gilmore meanwhile, will be boosted by the roster of the St. Benilde
Blazers under Coach Richard del Rosario, whose wards will be headed by 2010 NCAA
Rookie of the Year Carl John Lastimosa, nephew of PBA great and
current Alaska assistant coach Jojo Lastimosa.
The PBA D-League’s inaugural season will also see former playmaker
Topex Robinson finally branching out into coaching as he is tasked to
call the shots for Pacific Pipes, which tapped the services of
one-time PBL MVP Vic Manuel and PBA free agent Jim Bruce Viray.
The 13 teams have been bracketed into two groups for the classification phase.
PC Gilmore and Pacific Pipes are bunched together in Group A along with Pharex
Naproxen Sodium, Freego Jeans, Blackwater Elite and the NLEX Road Warriors.
Belonging to Group B are Maynilad, Cobra, Café France, Cebuana Lhuillier, FCA
Cultivators, Max! Bond Super Glue Sumos and Junior Powerade Tigers.
The top two teams in each group advance to the second round of the
playoffs outright.(pr)
Monday, March 7, 2011
Texters clobber Express in Davao showdown, Phoenix fit to play in PBA
Texters clobber Express in Davao showdown
TALK 'N Text relied on the hot hands of speedy guard Jimmy Alapag and the all-game long brilliance of import Paul Harris to crush Air21, 124-110, in their PBA Commissiner's Cup showdown before a huge crowd at the Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) Gym Saturday night.
Harris fired 28 points and Alapag added 24, including six connections from the three-point country as the Tropang Texters registered their second straight win after losing their opening game in the conference to Smart Gilas.
Three others scored in double figures for Talk 'N Text, with Ryan Reyes hitting 16, Ranidel de Ocampo firing 14 and Larry Fonacier finishing with 10.
With the victory, Talk 'N Text spoiled the debut of Dondon Hontiveros and three others who played their first game with the Express after being traded from San Miguel Beer.
Hontiveros displayed his deadly outside shots to finish with 24 points, but the Texters simply beat them in a running game.
Aside from Hontiveros, others who were shipped from SMB to Air21 following a blockbuster trade days earlier were Dorian Peña, Danny Seigle and Paul Artadi. All the new Express recruits performed well for their new team.
The trade likewise sent Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Nonoy Baclao and Rey Gueverra to the Beermenn.
The Texters used a killng running game to jump to an early lead and never looked back as the Express had difficulty finding their range.
Still, the Express made it exciting for the crown as they managed to cut the lead several times specially after Hontiveros started connecting from the outside late in the first quarter.
The PBA game in Davao City for the first time in several years and which draw a sizeable crowd was supported by Phoneix Petroleum of Dennis Uy. (CRAM)
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on March 07, 2011.
Phoenix fit to play in PBA
THERE'S a big chance for Phoenix Petroleum to gain entry into the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and become the second oil company in the country to join the premier professional league after Shell.
PBA Commissioner Chito Salud said Phoenix possesses all the requirements needed to be admitted into the PBA but would rather wait for the PBA Board to convene and come out with a decision on the firm's application.
Salud said they have to evaluate if the team applying has the financial capabilities to field and manage a team and to determine how dedicated it is to play in the league.
"I think Phoenix has these," Salud said of the Davao City-based firm moments after the Phoenix-PBA On Tour game between Talk 'N Text and Air21 won by the Tropang Texters at the Holy Cross of Davao Colleges (HCDC) Gym Saturday night.
Phoenix Petroleum president and CEO Dennis Uy earlier confirmed that his company had indeed applied for inclusion into the PBA.
Uy said he had already talked with the management of Barako Bull, the team whose franchise Phoenix is acquiring to get into the PBA.
Reports said Phoenix is close to purchasing the Barako franchise for an undisclosed amount. After its acquisition of the Barako franchise, all Phoenix has to get is the approval of the PBA Board.
"It's now up to the PBA Board. I don't want to speculate. We just have to wait," Uy said.
Salud confirmed that the board is indeed convening this month to discuss the Phoenix application.
PBA media bureau chief Willy Marcial earlier said the board will meet on March 15 with the the oil company's application on top of the agenda.
"By March 15 we will know the decision of the board," Marcial said.
Phoenix Petroleum is a big ally of the PBA, having supported the league's road games for years now, including the Air21-Talk 'N Text Davao showdown Saturday.
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on March 07, 2011.
TALK 'N Text relied on the hot hands of speedy guard Jimmy Alapag and the all-game long brilliance of import Paul Harris to crush Air21, 124-110, in their PBA Commissiner's Cup showdown before a huge crowd at the Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) Gym Saturday night.
Harris fired 28 points and Alapag added 24, including six connections from the three-point country as the Tropang Texters registered their second straight win after losing their opening game in the conference to Smart Gilas.
Three others scored in double figures for Talk 'N Text, with Ryan Reyes hitting 16, Ranidel de Ocampo firing 14 and Larry Fonacier finishing with 10.
With the victory, Talk 'N Text spoiled the debut of Dondon Hontiveros and three others who played their first game with the Express after being traded from San Miguel Beer.
Hontiveros displayed his deadly outside shots to finish with 24 points, but the Texters simply beat them in a running game.
Aside from Hontiveros, others who were shipped from SMB to Air21 following a blockbuster trade days earlier were Dorian Peña, Danny Seigle and Paul Artadi. All the new Express recruits performed well for their new team.
The trade likewise sent Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Nonoy Baclao and Rey Gueverra to the Beermenn.
The Texters used a killng running game to jump to an early lead and never looked back as the Express had difficulty finding their range.
Still, the Express made it exciting for the crown as they managed to cut the lead several times specially after Hontiveros started connecting from the outside late in the first quarter.
The PBA game in Davao City for the first time in several years and which draw a sizeable crowd was supported by Phoneix Petroleum of Dennis Uy. (CRAM)
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on March 07, 2011.
Phoenix fit to play in PBA
THERE'S a big chance for Phoenix Petroleum to gain entry into the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and become the second oil company in the country to join the premier professional league after Shell.
PBA Commissioner Chito Salud said Phoenix possesses all the requirements needed to be admitted into the PBA but would rather wait for the PBA Board to convene and come out with a decision on the firm's application.
Salud said they have to evaluate if the team applying has the financial capabilities to field and manage a team and to determine how dedicated it is to play in the league.
"I think Phoenix has these," Salud said of the Davao City-based firm moments after the Phoenix-PBA On Tour game between Talk 'N Text and Air21 won by the Tropang Texters at the Holy Cross of Davao Colleges (HCDC) Gym Saturday night.
Phoenix Petroleum president and CEO Dennis Uy earlier confirmed that his company had indeed applied for inclusion into the PBA.
Uy said he had already talked with the management of Barako Bull, the team whose franchise Phoenix is acquiring to get into the PBA.
Reports said Phoenix is close to purchasing the Barako franchise for an undisclosed amount. After its acquisition of the Barako franchise, all Phoenix has to get is the approval of the PBA Board.
"It's now up to the PBA Board. I don't want to speculate. We just have to wait," Uy said.
Salud confirmed that the board is indeed convening this month to discuss the Phoenix application.
PBA media bureau chief Willy Marcial earlier said the board will meet on March 15 with the the oil company's application on top of the agenda.
"By March 15 we will know the decision of the board," Marcial said.
Phoenix Petroleum is a big ally of the PBA, having supported the league's road games for years now, including the Air21-Talk 'N Text Davao showdown Saturday.
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on March 07, 2011.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)