The Philippine Basketball Association’s Board of Governors is headed to Japan to continue their talks with their B.League counterparts.
Talks have been ongoing between the two leagues with regard to the Filipinos heading there.
It was just last June when B. League chairman Shinji Shimada was able to meet PBA chairman Ricky Vargas and commissioner Willie Marcial during the East Asia Super League press conference.
“Kami naman ang dadalaw sa kanila ngayon,” Marcial told PBA.ph.
“Matagal na kaming naguusap even before Kiefer (Ravena) signed with his B. League team. Gusto namin patibayin yung friendship and partnership namin. Naghahanap din kami ng iba pang areas para pagandahin ang relationship, kagaya ng usapin tungkol sa technology at system,” he continued.
This time around, Vargas and Marcial will be joined by vice chairman Bobby Rosales of Terrafirma and SMC sports chief Alfrancis Chua.
Also part of the PBA contingent are Erick Arejola of NorthPort will be with the group along with PBA deputy commissioner Eric Castro, legal counsel Melvin Mendoza, finance officer Odessa Encarnacion, and social media head Mich Flores.
Arriving on Thursday are Governors Robert Non of San Miguel, Rene Pardo of Magnolia, Rod Franco of NLEX, Bill Pamintuan of Meralco, Chito Salud of Converge, Raymond Zorrilla of Phoenix Super LPG, and Silliman Sy of Blackwater
Last year, Kiefer Ravena and Bobby Ray Parks were the former PBA pros who went on to sign with B.League clubs.
For the 2022-23 season, Matthew Wright, Greg Slaughter, Roosevelt Adams, Jay Washington, and Jordan Heading also headed to Japan.
This comes two days after Marcial and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio raised to the senate concerns about the ongoing exodus.
“This is another meet-and-greet session. Gusto namin palalimin ang pagkakaibigan sa kanila,” said Marcial.
