PBL-Liga Merger Slates Rookie Draft

(From Inquirer)

New talents for a new league.

A rookie draft has been set for the inaugural Philippine Basketball Developmental League, the joint venture between the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) and Liga Pilipinas which is slated to get going on June 5.

But PBL executive director Butch Maniego said the Rookie Draft set on May 15 is open only to players born from 1981 onward.

Applicants also must have not seen action in the PBL or Liga Pilipinas.

“We’ll remain as an amateur league,” said Maniego of the two-year joint venture that will serve as the blueprint for the Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) development league project patterned after the NBA’s D-League.

Filipino players with foreign lineage must also show proof of their roots up to the third degree of consanguinity and acquire a Filipino passport.

Application forms may be sent through e-mail at wordcomet@yahoo.com, b_antonio427@yahoo.com or pdreyes827@yahoo.com. Deadline is on May 12.

PBL Not Dying a Natural Death, Says League Exec

(From GMA News)

The Philippine Basketball League’s (PBL) merger with Liga Pilipinas is not a way of saving these organizations from dying a natural death.

"Contrary to what many people believe, the PBL is not dying a natural death," PBL officer in charge Butch Maniego told GMANews.TV in an interview through social networking site Facebook.

"The league just needed to be reinvented, which would require some time," added Maniego.

The PBL, the country’s longest-running amateur cage league, and Liga Pilipinas agreed to merge and decided to run a joint tournament, which is a step towards the formation of the country’s newest version of the D-League (developmental league) patterned after the US NBA’s National Basketball Development League.

The NBDL is the breeding ground of future NBA players while pro players who were left unsigned by their respective mother teams were given chances to prove their worth to the club’s farm team.

The proposed local version of the D-League will be directly under the supervision of the PBA. PBA chairman Lito Alvarez initiated the merger of the two struggling leagues.

"Signs are not encouraging both for the PBL and Liga Pilipinas. If we don’t come in, chances are, they might not be able to survive the trying times," said Alvarez, also the president and team manager of the Air21 Express.

Alvarez said the joint venture will be the precursor of the planed D-League, which will be headed by Sta. Lucia’s Buddy Encarnado and assisted by Ginebra’s Robert Non and Pato Gregorio of Talk ‘N Text.

But Maniego, who worked for many years as a sports broadcaster, did not hide the fact that the PBL was affected by the economic crisis and is one of the reasons why their group agreed to merge with Liga Pilipinas, an association that caters to provincial teams.

"We needed to cut some costs to make it more attractive to new players and keep our old ones despite the difficult economic times," added Maniego, who took over the helm after long-time PBL commissioner Chino Trinidad resigned last month.

Maniego thinks the merger would give the PBL and Liga a new identity.

"It's an opportunity for both leagues to become more relevant within the local basketball landscape," explained Maniego, whose group has yet to name its candidate to become commissioner of this new joint tournament with Liga Pilipinas.

PBA Merges PBL, Liga for Local D-League

(From GMA News)

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is following the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) footsteps in its ambitious bid of expanding Asia’s first play-for-play league.

The PBA, the region’s first professional basketball league, is at the forefront of the merger between struggling clubs – the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) and the Liga Pilipinas.

The PBA will initiate the PBL and Liga Pilipinas merger, thus creating its own development league (D-League) patterned similarly from the National Basketball Association Development league (NBDL).

PBA chairman Lito Alvarez, in a telephone interview by GMANews.TV said the league hopes to introduce the new program next season. “This new league is a perfect venue for the (PBL and Liga Pilipinas) teams since they can maintain a squad (in the PBA developmental league) at a low cost."

“If ever they’ve enjoyed competing here and want to take a step a notch higher, then they can apply for membership in the PBA."

Alvarez added that aside from the PBA’s expansion program, the planned developmental league is also their way of preventing the PBL and Liga Pilipinas to close shop. Both leagues might fold up if not restructured.

“Signs are not encouraging," said Alvarez. “We don’t see positive things happening for (both leagues). If we don’t help them, their leagues might die a natural death and this will also be bad for the PBA because they’re our source of talent."

Alvarez said the planned D-League has the full support of the PBA board where they assigned former PBA chairman Buddy Encarnado of Sta. Lucia as the head of the committee that would supervise the PBA’s new project.

Assisting Encarnado are alternate board governors Robert Non of Barangay Ginebra and Pato Gregorio of Talk ‘N Text. The group will continue its talks with both executives of the PBL and Liga Pilipinas.

Alvarez has also scheduled a meeting with PBL caretaker Butch Maniego and Liga Pilipinas representative Butch Antonio regarding the proposed merger.

The proposed PBA D-League will also serve as a venue for local and Filipino-foreign players from various collegiate leagues, like the UAAP and NCAA, to hone their skills before entering the PBA Annual Rookie Draft.

“We feel that there were players coming from the collegiate ranks who are not yet ready to enter the PBA and this will be a good opportunity for them to hone their skills more," said Alvarez.

“The Fil-foreign players will be required to complete a number of games before entering the PBA. This will also allow PBA teams to scout prospective players," he added.

Alvarez said the initial format will have the PBL teams forming the Northern Conference while Liga squads will compose the South. “Since Liga teams are used to do a lot of traveling."

PBL’s glory days
The PBL has been the country’s premier amateur league since 1983.

Trinidad Officially Steps Down

(From Malaya)

Chino Trinidad officially announced yesterday that he has resigned as commissioner of the Philippine Basketball league, although league officials have persuaded him to call it "retirement."

Trinidad claimed in yesterday’s PSA Forum at the Shakey’s UN Ave. branch in Manila that he floated the idea of resigning from his post several weeks ago to the PBL board.

"When I signified my intention to resign, sabi nila huwag nang gawing resignation at gawing retirement," Trinidad said in the public service program backed by Outlast Battery, Pagcor, Accel, and Shakey’s.

Trinidad, who accepted the job as commissioner in 2000, added: "Mas maraming contribution ang PBL sa akin kaysa ako sa kanila."

At the same time, he said he was not completely severing his ties with the league, adding he would be more than glad to serve on an unofficial capacity, a statement welcomed by PBL board chairman Ding Camua of Pharex.

"Natutuwa ako na maging part ng PBL and what the PBL has done to me. It has given me a platform and given me the skills that I never had before," said Trinidad. "It has given me an impetus to grow as a person."

Trinidad said he would pursue his other interests, mostly related to his job as news anchor, sportscaster, and boxing commentator.

While the league is looking for Trinidad’s successor, he has recommended that executive director Butch Maniego be named as deputy commissioner to take care of the league’s day-to-day affairs.

"The decision (of appointing a new commissioner) is better left to the PBL board. Whoever takes over must have a grasp of the situation, one who can handle concerns like the TV coverage and the participating teams," said Trinidad. "I believe that maraming brilliant minds na pwedeng mamahala sa basketball."

Power Rankings #2: Vic Manuel Is For Real

(From PBL)

The second week of the PBL PG Flex-Erase Placenta Cup features Cossack Blue continuing its surprising start and the fiery performance of Fern-C's John Wilson. But it was Pharex B-Complex's Vic Manuel who took the spotlight in this week's Power Rankings.

10. Arvie Braganza (Pharex B-Complex)
Last Week: N/A
Stats: 12.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists in two games last week
Conference Avgs: 6.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.2 assists

"Braggy", as fondly called, redeemed himself from a costly turnover that handed the Fighting Maroons a devastating loss to Cobra last week by putting up solid contributions in their twin victories over FERN-C and sister team Ascof Lagundi.

He has been responsible in giving up some good assists to the likes of Vic Manuel, Marlon Adolfo and Woody Co while silently making points. In both games, it was surprising to learn that he scored in double figures.

If Braganza can keep up with his performance and take good care of the ball then expect more minutes from him and possibly more bench time for backup Chico Tirona.

9. Marlon Adolfo (Pharex B-Complex)
Last Week: N/A
Stats: 12.0 points and 5.0 rebounds last week
Conference Avgs: 9.3 points and 4.8 rebounds

Another silent contributor for Pharex B so far in this tournament.

The former FEU Tamaraw made 12 points in the first half and was one of the players responsible in giving the Maroons a resounding win over FERN-C last Thursday.

This could be the only time Adolfo will make the list since the second franchise of Pascual Laboratories has a variety of forwards who will eat up more time such as Manuel, Woody Co and even unknown Earnest Reyes.

8. Patrick Cabahug (Cobra Energy Drink)
Last Week: 4th
Stats: 24 points, 10-of-25 FG shooting and eight rebounds against Cossack Blue last week
Conference Avgs: 14.0 points, 23-of-55 FG shooting and 5.0 rebounds

Cabahug gets the nod because of his statistical output but unfortunately, he didn't carried the highly-touted Ironmen to the win against their underdog sister team Cossack Blue.

Despite firing a conference-high 24 points, proving his worth as a big-time scorer, the former Adamson Falcon struggled shooting-wise, most of those were forced shots, included one tough fall away from the corner that could have gave them the win in regulation.

Cabahug, if consistent, is a great complement for Paul Lee. But his decision-making especially when he has the ball could be vital if Cobra wants to prove everyone that it is not just a strong team on paper.

7. Bam Gamalinda (Ascof Lagundi)
Last Week: N/A
Stats: 13.7 points, 21-of-39 FG shooting, 7.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists last week
Conference Avgs: 13.7 points, 21-of-39 FG shooting, 7.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists

Gamalinda, who missed the conference debut against Excelroof, was a key offensive contributor for the Cough Busters that saw him average 19.5 points in his first two games (including 5-of-10 from rainbow country).

His most notable game came against Cossack Blue when he almost single-handedly complete the team's comeback in the fourth quarter, until they blew it in the homestretch thanks to Jorel Canizares' game-winning trey.

The former San Beda team captain is a great addition but he and big man JR Gerilla, who also deserves a spot in this week's rankings, needs more help from the likes of Von Lanete, Mark Canlas and Edwin Asoro.
   
    
6. Paul Lee (Cobra Energy Drink)
Last Week: 1st
Stats: 22 points, seven rebounds and two assists against Cobra Energy Drink last week
Conference Avgs: 23.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists

This time, Paul Lee failed to save Cobra from the jaws of defeat.

There were moments that the 6-foot-1 guard was on the verge of leading the Ironmen to the win but still wasn't enough to suffer a stunning loss to the more determined Cossack Blue five.

While Lee, who missed an outside trey in the dying seconds off a dangerous pass by Cabahug, maintained his usual statline, it's interesting to note that he turned the ball over eight times, a conference-high, but for sure he'll make up for it.

After Pacquiao Coverage, Trinidad To Leave PBL Officially

(From ABS-CBN News)

Sports broadcaster Chino Trinidad said he will face the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) board once he returns to Manila to formalize his resignation from as the league’s commissioner.

"Oo, tapusin ko lang itong misyon ko at magpapaalam na ako ng maayos sa PBL Board at magpapasalamat para sa tiwalang ibinigay nila sa aking sa nakalipas na sampung taon," Trinidad said in an email.

Trinidad is currently in Arlington, Texas to cover the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight clash between defending champion Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey.

He earlier expressed his intent to resign from his PBL post through an electronic message via social network Facebook.

Trinidad, who has served as PBL’s commissioner since 2000, said he resigned because he has “lost passion for the sport”.

His “resignation” caught Harbour Centre owner and amateur basketball godfather Mikee Romero and PBL chairman emeritus Raymund Yu by surprise.

Romero and Yu said they will try to talk to Trinidad when the 41-year-old PBL executive returns from his coverage.

“If it is true, then the league will lose a great leader. But no matter what happens, the league must go on, the show must go on,” said Yu in an interview.

Romero, whose franchise took a leave of absence this PBL conference, echoed Yu’s sentiment.

“I was surprised to read it in the papers. I know his passion for sports, especially for basketball. But I will still try to talk to him,” added Romero. “He spent 10 good years of his life in the PBL, so maybe we can still do something about it.”

PBL Shocked By Trinidad's ‘Resignation’

(From Manila Bulletin)

Officials and representatives of the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) on Tuesday had mixed reactions but most expressed disbelief over the reported resignation of Commissioner Chino Trinidad.

Trinidad announced his resignation without officially informing any of the league members through his Facebook message the other day where he said he has “lost his passion for the sport.”

He also said the country’s number one sport has not lived up to his expectations. “It’s in bad shape,” he said without elaborating.

Trinidad said he will now focus his attention to boxing which he said should continue its tradition of excellence after Manny Pacquiao is gone.

Trinidad, who, on many occasions had left the management of the PBL to his subalterns because of his frequent travels to the United States as commentator in the NBA Finals and, in recent years, of Pacquiao’s many fights, said he will end his term after the current PBL tournament.

He will leave the PBL practically fighting for survival after some elite college teams, which during the last few years had been the backbone of its existence, decided not to participate, forcing some teams to withdraw from the league.

The opening of the current tournament was also delayed three times as the PBL scrambled to fill the slots vacated by the withdrawal of past members after it was left with just four teams.

Some league members, however, remain hopeful Trinidad will reconsider his decision.

“I don’t think Chino will do it, he might just be tired,” Toyota Otis board representative Gil Angeles said. “Unless I see him and he says it in front of me that he’s resigning then that’s the time that I will believe.”

“Besides, the board has yet to receive a letter informing us about his supposed resignation. For now, we just have to wait for him to arrive before we can act on this matter,” said Angeles noting Trinidad might be tired emotionally since he’s been away from his family for almost a month now.

Trinidad, who has been at the helm of the league since 2000, is in Los Angeles covering Manny Pacquiao for his fight against Joshua Clottey at the Cowboys Stadium in Dallas on Saturday (Sunday Manila time).

Even PBL chairman emeritus Raymund Yu of Welcoat Paints and last year’s chairman Mikee Romero of Harbour Centre franchise were also caught by surprise.

Romero and Yu said they will try to talk to Trinidad when the 41-year-old PBL executive returns from his coverage.

“If it is true then the league will lose a great leader. But no matter what happens, the league must go on, the show must go on,” Yu said.

Romero, who owns a record seven straight championships but whose franchise took a leave of absence this conference, echoed Yu’s sentiment.

“I was surprised to read it in the papers. I know his passion for sports, especially for basketball. But I will still try to talk to him,” Romero said. “He spent 10 good years of his life in the PBL, so maybe we can still do about it.”