Heading into the 2022-23 Korean Basketball League season, six teams signed six Filipino players to serve as their Asian Quota players.
But when the season opens on October 15, only five will get to play.
William Navarro, a contracted player by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas for Gilas, was not able to obtain a letter of clearance from the federation. That would have completed his transfer to Seoul Samsung.
Three of the Korea-bound imports – namely Justin Gutang, RJ Abarrientos, and SJ Belangel – went to social media not just to throw their support for Navarro, but also to explain why they went overseas.
Gutang, signed with Changwon LG, lamented how things turned out for Navarro.
“It’s sad to see someone who’s worked so hard to get where they’re at now have their dreams taken away just like that.
“Is it wrong for Filipino athletes to choose playing abroad?” wondered Gutang, a product of College of Saint Benilde and an MVP in Filbasket. “Are they not allowed to choose a path that will benefit them along the way? I mean Filipino athletes playing overseas are still representing the Philippines.
“Everyone should spread love and positivity to all athletes in every profession playing abroad. #FreeWill”
Meanwhile, Ulsan Hyundai Mobis’ Abarrientos raised that Filipinos should be supporting their compatriots in achieving their dreams.
At the end of the day, it’s Gilas who will benefit from their overseas exposure, he added.
“Really? Being an impediment to someone’s dream?” read the FEU product’s story.
“You all should support Filipino athletes who are playing abroad. Similar to any other profession, you’ll do what’s best for your career! They are choosing to play and strengthen their ability while representing the country.”
Belangel, who signed with Daegu KOGAS, also echoed Abarrientos’ sentiments.
The Ateneo product also cleared the air that they were opting to play overseas not because they are looking down on Philippine basketball, but because it is their dream to play overseas.
After all, the Philippines will always be their home.
“Always remember that we are still repping the Filipino Flag no matter where we play.
“We chose to play internationally not because we hate Philippine Basketball but because we are here to pursue every athlete’s dream to reach our fullest potential and even go beyond our dreams. Everyday, we are working hard to make our country proud, never saying that Philippine Basketball is worst place to play in,” he said.
“As what Buzz Lightyear said, ‘Reach for the skies!’ Do not settle with what we have or for what is working. Always aim for more! #NoHate,” he continued.
Rhenz Abando of Anyang KGC has been reposting stories of support for Navarro.
PBA vet Maverick Ahanmisi, on the other hand, went to Tiktok to express his thoughts on the issue between his league and their overseas counterparts.
.@mavahanmisi_ shares his thoughts on the PBA-overseas leagues issue#PBA2022 pic.twitter.com/MCIE7len1n
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) September 18, 2022
Ahanmisi has recently been cleared by FIBA as a local. His contract with Converge expires next year.
