Asian imports a far-fetched reality, says PBA commish

It would take time before Asian imports find themselves playing in the Philippine Basketball Association. With two major international tournaments set the next two years – the Asian Games in 2010 and the Olympic qualifying FIBA Asia Championship in 2011 – the idea of seeing stars from Iran, China, Lebanon, Qatar, Korea, Japan and Jordan in the PBA might be far-fetched.

“That’s the problem, baka hindi natin makuha yung mga magagaling na players na nakakalaban ng Philippine team natin sa FIBA Asia," PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios told GMANews.TV. “They might not be available for the next two years." Under the proposal handed over by the board, Barrios would have two options to choose from – Option A or Asian imports with a height limit of 6’8, and Option B or imports from anywhere with a ceiling of 6’6. San Miguel Beer coach Siot Tanquingcen, whose team is having a solid conference so far with a second-running 10-3 record, believes having an Asian import wouldn’t be much of help to the league. And it would also add burden to coaches like him. “First, communication would be a big problem. You’re going to need interpreters during huddle and it would be a waste of time for us," said Tanquingcen. “Second, if they would want Asian imports to play, might as well do it with an unlimited size because having 6’6 or 6’8 Asian imports would only mean duplication of roles for our local players. These imports won’t be much of an impact." Third, Tanquingcen said Asian countries would seize this as "an opportunity to scout us more and make them feel they’re better than us because we’re importing them." But while having Asian imports looks remote at this stage, Barrios said he’s not totally slamming the door on the possibility first brought up by PBA chairman Lito Alvarez. “I’m not closing the doors on this matter. In fact, the board not only chairman Lito Alvarez, unanimously agreed to try the possibility of having Asian imports dahil kumbaga sa pagkain nga eh, bagong putahe," he said. Alvarez, board representative and team manager of Burger King, explained that Asian players as imports could also work for the PBA, marketing-wise. “For me, having Asian imports playing in the PBA seems marketable," said Alvarez. “That’s because we have a lot of Asian products here in the Philippines like Samsung and Sanyo, among others. Baka magkaroon sila ng interes na pumasok sa liga." - GMANews.TV