PBA Pass-Through — April 4, 2015
Updates from around the association:
The Asian Invasion
The PBA Board of Governors’ decision to open the league’s doors for Asian hoops stars only meant the possibility of PBA fans seeing their favorite players go head-to-head or team up with the best of the continent.
Here are a few updates we’ve gathered:
Mahdi Kamrani to Meralco?
from FIBA.com
Iran playmaker’s and arguably one of the best point guards in Asia, Mahdi Kamrani, is in talks with the Meralco Bolts, according to a report by SPIN.ph:
Meralco comes to terms with Iran star guard Mahdi Kamrani, but there’s just one hitch By @richava http://t.co/5vTeORtnDp via @po_st
— SPIN.ph (@spinph) April 2, 2015
Kamrani has been an excellent quarterback for the Iran national basketball team, leading the West Asian country to numerous FIBA Asia Championship and Cup medals. Should Kamrani be able to sign a contract, he would be an excellent addition for the Bolts, whose primary point guard is Mike Cortez. There are also a handful of Manila-based Iranians who love watching their countrymen play in different sporting events in the Philippines, as seen in the last two years during the FIBA Asia Championship and Asian Club Volleyball Championship.
From Rick Olivares
With Kamrani (and Iran sports teams in general) having a dedicated fanbase, it would be a win-win move for the Meralco Bolts.
Ginebra brings Sanchir Tungalag
Mongolian scorer Sanchir Tungalag will be Barangay Ginebra’s Asian import for the Governors’ Cup. Tungalag was part of Mongolia’s 2014 Asian Games roster and had the chance to play against Gilas Pilipinas in the seventh place game.
Chua confirms Mongolian Sanchir Tungala will be Ginebra’s Asian import in PBA Govs Cup By @richava http://t.co/avvQO9KcSw via @po_st — SPIN.ph (@spinph) April 3, 2015
Which team will land Sam Daghlas?
From FIBA.com
Jordanian legend Sam Daghlas may also end up wearing a PBA team’s uniform, and announced on Twitter that height will not be an issue and that the league has always been high on his list.
Daghlas, who is best known for leading Jordan to the 2011 FIBA Asia Championship gold medal match, added he has always been a fan of the Filipinos’ love for basketball.
@hoopnut @karlonalaunan @kosavodka24 @theTNTnation I do make the height and still in talks
— sam daghlas (@samd13) April 3, 2015
@hoopnut PBA basketball is always been high on my list & always been a fan of how much Filipinos fans show love to the sport of Basketball — sam daghlas (@samd13) April 3, 2015
Daghlas played several games against Smart-Gilas I which bannered backcourt players like Mark Barroca, JVee Casio, and Chris Tiu.
Other updates:
Stephon Marbury back in town?
San Juan Vice Mayor Francis Zamora posted on his Instagram account that former NBA pro and three-time CBA champion Stephon Marbury of the Beijing Ducks will be back in the Philippines soon for a charity game.
Marbury visited the Philippines in 2014 for outreach activities and an exhibition match which served as a fundraiser for cancer patients. In addition, who would forget his classic guesting at the Ryzza Mae Show where he played one-on-one against Joey Marquez and performed the “Itaktak Mo!” dance?
