One of the issues raised during the Philippine Senate’s hearing on local sports was the ongoing exodus of basketball players.
Senator Bong Go wondered whether it affects Gilas Pilipinas during their international campaigns. But Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio was quick to downplay it, saying that Filipino players in both the Japan B.League and the Korean Basketball League answer the call of duty as their leagues take a break during FIBA windows.
“I think ‘yung mga players natin mga taga Japan ‘no like sila Dwight Ramos, the Ravena brothers [Kiefer and Thirdy], even Bobby Ray Parks, I think they’re fully committed to the program,” said Panlilio on Monday.
“In fact, also FIBA can be of help because it will help us impose on these clubs to release them for national team duties if needed, but I think we’ve also asked them to have this in their contracts — that they should be released in any national team duties. But, from a commitment point of view from the players, they are fully committed to really serve the national team.”
However, it is hitting the talent depth of the local leagues.
According to Philippine Basketball Association commissioner Willie Marcial, it’s hard for local corporations to compete with, let alone match, the salaries being offered by foreign clubs.
“Times three po ang binibigay – minumum po ‘yun, minumum. ‘Yun po ang pinakamababa na binibigay ng liga,” shared Marcial.
Over the past two years, the PBA lost some of its marquee players to the B.League.
Photo from Nagoya Diamond Dolphins
Kiefer Ravena and Ray Parks were the first to move, signing with Shiga and Nagoya, respectively. Matthew Wright (Kyoto), Greg Slaughter (Fukuoka), Jay Washington (Ryukyu), and Roosevelt Adams (Kagawa) all followed suit this year.
Besides the pros, the PBA is also suffering from a talent drain in the draft as the likes of Justine Baltazar, Dwight Ramos, Ricci Rivero, and Rhenz Abando — all surefire first-round picks — have yet to enter the draft. Meanwhile, even already-picked players Jordan Heading and William Navarro are plying their trades abroad.
Marcial is currently seeking help from the Games and Amusements Board set a boundary between the PBA and overseas leagues.
“Dito nga po hihingi po ako ng tulong sa GAB kay Atty. [Ermar] Benitez para tulungan kami kung papaano maayos ang proseso. Kasi ang tinatapakan po talaga professional,” said Marcial “At kausap ko din po si [Philippine Sports Commission] Chairman Noli Eala nung isang araw, meron silang Asian Ministerial Summit ng mga sports ng iba’t ibang bansa, nandun po ‘yung Japan, nandun din po ‘yung Korea na pwedeng niyang idulog ‘yung ating position dun po sa mga ibang players.
“So may meeting po kami ng board sa Wednesday sa Japan para din po kausapin ang Japan league. Kaya din po ako humiihingi ng tulong sa dalawang ahensya,” he pleaded.
“Alam ko naman po greener ‘yung pasture, naintidihan naman po namin ‘yun. Ayun nga lang po baka po dahan-dahan mawala ang liga ng PBA.“
But it’s not just the PBA that is being hit by the exodus of players. Panlilio noted that both the University Athletic Association of the Philippines and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (Philippines) are also losing players.
Last year, Dwight Ramos; Javi and Juan Gomez de Liano bros; and Kobe Paras all decided to not play out their remaining years of eligibility to turn pro.
(C) B.League
This year, SJ Belangel, RJ Abarrientos, Justin Gutang, and Rhenz Abando all did the same as well.
“I think my concerns are the poachings happening in the collegiate level. Nangyari na po yan sa Ateneo. Baka ‘yun po ‘yung magiging bigger issue — yung losing collegiate players.
“One particular case is SJ Belangel of Ateneo, he didn’t play his last year, he went to Korea,” said Panlilio. Belangel already finished his undergraduate studies in Ateneo but had two years of eligibility left.
“Of course, Dwight Ramos was supposed to play for Ateneo, but never did; but went straight to Japan. Although, I think si Dwight for example has committed to the national program. I’m just raising the issue because it’s not just the professional league that’s being poached, but also your collegiate leagues. Now they play outside ‘no?” he continued.
“Now, they see [Carl] Tamayo, they ssee [Kevin] Quiambao. That again might be issues to us.”
Filipinos working abroad are nothing new in other industries.
It has happened in the medical field, education sector, and, even, in business.
So why stop athletes from doing so as well?
Panlilio, a high-ranking executive in PLDT/SMART, is not blaming anyone for the exodus. In addition, Marcial knows that having Filipinos are a must in leagues where there are a lot of Overseas Filipino Workers.
It’s a fact that they should start to accept.
“‘Sa mga Pilipino, parang religion na po ‘yung basketball eh. Nung kinausap ko nga po ‘yung Malaysian foreign minister, sinabi sa akin na basta may Pilipino na player, kahit hindi kilala, dinudumog ng mga Pilipino. Basta may naglalarong Pilipino na basketbolista, sinusupporthan po natin. Ewan ko kung ganyan po ang strategy ng Japan, pero ‘yun po pag may Pilipino po, halos puno po ‘yung stadium nila e. Kahit pag pumupunta po ako kasama Gilas nung panahon ni Comm Noli. Puno na puno basta may Pilipino e basta maglalaro ang Pilipinas, so marketing,” said Marcial.
“I mean a lot of the young people playing for college are in abroad na, so they are really looking for greener pastures no? It’s the same issue talent drain on nurses, and doctors, it’s a balancing… I don’t know eh,” wondered Panlilio.
With reports from Zachi Cruz
