SBP to defend claim as country's legitimate cage body

MANILA, Philippines – The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) sent a 10-page letter to FIBA in response to the International Basketball Federation’s decision to form a special commission that is supposed to once again mediate between the SBP and its nemesis, the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP). “The 10-page letter shows how serious this matter is to us. We will not just sit down and wait for something to happen," said SBP executive director Noli Eala. The SBP also spent some money putting up a full-pages ad in the newspapers Monday, printing an open letter to the Philippine basketball community where it enumerated the SBP’s immediate plans and programs, and its accomplishments, big or small, in the international arena. “It saddens us to take note that there are still those who continue to question the legitimacy of the SBP and its current leadership," the ad stated, referring to the BAP which has yet to give up its claim for power and control of the national basketball scene. The SBP will hold a press conference Tuesday where chairman Manny V. Pangilinan is expected to preside over the event. “The ads were necessitated by some developments with FIBA, which we have addressed. So, I defer answering questions because the SBP is calling a press conference and Mr. Pangilinan will fully address any concern," said Eala. “The ads today were a result of communications coming from FIBA about creation of a special committee again to supposedly mediate between SBP and BAP. We have responded to these letters. Personally I think what the SBP did was a manifestation and expression of leadership," said the former PBA commissioner. He said the SBP is fighting for “our athletes, the young boys and girls who have accepted our programs." Eala added that the matter is not a concern of who should govern the sport in the country but a matter of putting a good program in place. He said the SBP has been doing this since its birth. “Defiant may be a strong word to describe our reaction. As I've said, it's an exercise of leadership," he added. – GMANews.TV