PBA: Asian imports won't make much difference in Gov's Cup says Barako's Banal

After Barako Bull got eliminated in the quarterfinals with a huge blowout loss against Talk 'n Text, the team will change gears anew and prepare for another campaign in the Governors' Cup.

Teams are required to get the services of an import in the season-ending conference and allowed an optional Asian reinforcement, but head coach Koy Banal said nothing is set in stone yet for the Energy.

He spared a few words, though, about the league's experimental move to allow teams to hire Asian imports.

"I'm not buying that idea to have an Asian import," Banal said. "Our locals can compete with them and then mag-iimport tayo ng Asian, anong sinasabi natin sa mga locals natin?"

Asian reinforcements standing at 6-foot-3 or shorter will be allowed to play for the teams, but the coach said they will not make much difference with the height restriction.

"Kung ganun lang na limited ang height, I don't think it will be a great addition to a team," he said. "I believe ang mga players natin can play in that level."

Barako Bull will likely stick with Solomon Alabi as their import for the Governors' Cup, but Banal said the decision will depend on the Nigerian big man's availability as his fiancee is due to give birth in May. - RAF, GMA News