PBA to honor ex commissioner Prieto

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), Asia’s first play-for-pay league will pay tribute to former commissioner Leo Prieto. The PBA has set the event before the annual Leo Awards, the ceremony named after the league’s founding commissioner before Game 4 of the 2009 Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference Finals. “This is a tribute to the man whose unselfish efforts and guidance made the PBA what it is today. I hope the fans could come early to join us in this special occasion," said PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios. Barrios will open the event with a welcome speech which will be followed by a testimonial from “Mr. PBA" himself, former senator Robert “Sonny" Jaworski. Prieto served as PBA commissioner during the league’s early years initiating its initial success from 1975-82. Invited to the affair are the league’s board of governors, former commissioners and Prieto’s family. A video that highlights Prieto’s successful stint in the league will also be shown. A “Leo Trophy" will also be presented to his family while the final horn will buzz for 30 seconds as a tribute to Prieto. The PBA was set to celebrate its 34th anniversary last April 9 when Prieto died two days prior to the occasion. – GMANews.TV