Will the PBA revert to the two-import setup?
That has become a discussion among fans online anew, especially with the league’s involvement in the East Asia Super League (EASL).
“Those are suggestions that, I think, the PBA can probably discuss,” Meralco team manager Paolo Trillo said when asked about the matter during an EASL-hosted virtual press conference on Thursday.
Since it began, the pan-regional tilt has allowed its teams to field two imports — a practice done by the pro leagues of Japan (B.League), Korea (KBL), China (CBA), and Chinese-Taipei (P.League+) to name some.
The PBA, for years, only permits one reinforcement — and should meet a certain height requirement — for all of its ball clubs during import-laden conferences.
But now that they have been competing in the EASL since 2018, PBA teams who get the chance to play there have been signing up ‘extra’ imports.
The Bolts, for one, have tapped Prince Ibeh to pair up with Suleiman Braihmoh, their import for the 2023-24 Commissioner’s Cup, for the EASL.
Why can’t just the PBA do the same, some wonder.
Photo from PBA Images
Playing with two imports isn’t actually foreign to Asia’s first play-for-pay league. It has done so multiple times since its inception 48 years ago.
“Remember, the PBA had two imports some time back,” recalled Trillo.
“Those were exciting PBA seasons as well.”
It was just in 2016 when the PBA last had that setup. Back then, teams were allowed to sign an additional Asian import with a height limit of 6-foot-3.
The league has since returned to the one-import arrangement.
Fans and pundits alike believe that the two-import setup will not only bring more excitement, but could help PBA teams adapt to international play better, too.
Trillo, though, is leaving the answer to the powers-that-be.
“Who knows? The PBA Board will be able to discuss that.”
