Basketball 2007: Make a Stand!
Bleacher Talk
Jan 14, 2007
Basketball 2007: Make a Stand!
The biggest story for Basketball 2007 will be the continuing and never-ending drama behind the thrust to unite the basketball family of the country under the new organization Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP). Just as we thought that everything was resolved and moving in the right direction when both Pilipinas Basketball (PB) and the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) agreed to bury the hatchet and unite, we now seem to be headed nowhere. And it looks like we’ll remain suspended by FIBA, basketball’s ruling organization.
At this point, it doesn’t look like the BAP plans to honor the unity agreement that was forged by both parties in Japan with no less than the top brass of the FIBA in attendance. With its recent sacking of its own President in Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, the BAP has proven again that it isn’t going to take things sitting down and will not allow itself to be pushed around by the SBP or proponents of PB. It’s clear in their minds that the BAP, and nobody else, should control the affairs of the sport. Their latest move looks like your typical walk-out staged by a team in the middle of a game. And we all know how walk-outs are not the solution to solving problems.
I have always wondered endlessly why the BAP refuses to give way and relinquish control of the country’s most popular sport despite the fact that its track record and history of handling the sport hasn’t been very impressive. They always talk about doing things for the sport and making the country progress, but their actions certainly haven’t backed up their words. It’s useless to make a list of all its achievements (or lack of it) as this never seems to faze or even jolt their hearts. The BAP claims to be the rightful leaders of the sport, but can’t even count on the biggest and most recognized leagues of the country as their supporters. The BAP claims to have the support of a nationwide base of members, but where are these members? Who are they?
At this point, I’m assuming that this situation won’t be resolved within the year. As the SBP seeks recognition of the Philippine Olympic Committee (and gets it), the BAP will continue to move on its own as a separate entity, hoping that the FIBA will still be on its side. Note that the BAP is the recognized representative of the country to the FIBA. I just hope that the FIBA finally sees the light, realizes the mistake it has been making all these years by staying with the BAP, and moves on to push for the thrust to establish the SBP as agreed in Japan.
With both sides poles apart, I feel that there is only one solution left. Let nature take its course. In the spirit of a free market, let’s make the basketball family decide for themselves which group they would like to have as leaders of their sport. Let’s have the real players of the basketball community make the decision and not just follow the directions of self-proclaimed basketball leaders. But who are these members of the basketball family?
Basketball players, make and take a stand now. Who do you want at the helm of the sport? The SBP or the BAP? The group led by Manny Pangilinan, Jinggoy Estrada and Jun Capistrano? Or the tandem of Christian Tan and Graham Lim? I’d like to see the players associations of the PBA, PBL, UAAP, NCAA and other leagues speak out.
Basketball leagues. Make a strong stand, too. On one side, the SBP counts on the membership of the most recognized and leading basketball leagues of the country including the PBA, PBL, UAAP, and NCAA. The BAP meanwhile, counts on 65 member organizations. On the local front, the MVBA of Michel Lhuillier and Yayoy Alcoseba are behind the BAP. The CESAFI is leaning towards supporting the SBP. While the BAP boasts of some 65 member leagues or organizations, the big question that I’d like to ask is who and where are these members? Are these legitimate organizations that can be compared to be of the same stuff as those with the SBP? Why haven’t we heard about any BAP league rising to prominence and being a dream league for young aspiring players?
While there is a great disparity in the numbers (quantity), the same can be said about the level of quality of the members of both groups. It looks like the SBP has fewer member-leagues, but these leagues’ respect and popularity leave the BAP’s member-leagues in the dust. What BAP leagues can match up with the PBA, PBL, UAAP and NCAA?
Coaches. The Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines (BCAP) has also thrown its support behind the formation of the SBP. BCAP President Chito Narvasa said they’ve left their neutral stance behind and have taken a stand.
We, the fans, should also speak out. We are the reasons for the existence of basketball leagues, aren’t we? As a fan, I strongly feel that this is a no-brainer of a question. We have suffered so much under the (mis)management of Graham Lim and it’s time for him to take a break.
And you?
*
Time-out: We proudly join Cebu in extending our warm welcome to all the delegates of the ASEAN Summit. Don’t forget that at the end of a tough day’s work, there’s always danggit at Tabo-an, dried mangoes, CNT lechon and Islands Souvenirs t-shirts. >>> You can reach me at bleachertalk@yahoo.com.
Jan 14, 2007
Basketball 2007: Make a Stand!
The biggest story for Basketball 2007 will be the continuing and never-ending drama behind the thrust to unite the basketball family of the country under the new organization Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP). Just as we thought that everything was resolved and moving in the right direction when both Pilipinas Basketball (PB) and the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) agreed to bury the hatchet and unite, we now seem to be headed nowhere. And it looks like we’ll remain suspended by FIBA, basketball’s ruling organization.
At this point, it doesn’t look like the BAP plans to honor the unity agreement that was forged by both parties in Japan with no less than the top brass of the FIBA in attendance. With its recent sacking of its own President in Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, the BAP has proven again that it isn’t going to take things sitting down and will not allow itself to be pushed around by the SBP or proponents of PB. It’s clear in their minds that the BAP, and nobody else, should control the affairs of the sport. Their latest move looks like your typical walk-out staged by a team in the middle of a game. And we all know how walk-outs are not the solution to solving problems.
I have always wondered endlessly why the BAP refuses to give way and relinquish control of the country’s most popular sport despite the fact that its track record and history of handling the sport hasn’t been very impressive. They always talk about doing things for the sport and making the country progress, but their actions certainly haven’t backed up their words. It’s useless to make a list of all its achievements (or lack of it) as this never seems to faze or even jolt their hearts. The BAP claims to be the rightful leaders of the sport, but can’t even count on the biggest and most recognized leagues of the country as their supporters. The BAP claims to have the support of a nationwide base of members, but where are these members? Who are they?
At this point, I’m assuming that this situation won’t be resolved within the year. As the SBP seeks recognition of the Philippine Olympic Committee (and gets it), the BAP will continue to move on its own as a separate entity, hoping that the FIBA will still be on its side. Note that the BAP is the recognized representative of the country to the FIBA. I just hope that the FIBA finally sees the light, realizes the mistake it has been making all these years by staying with the BAP, and moves on to push for the thrust to establish the SBP as agreed in Japan.
With both sides poles apart, I feel that there is only one solution left. Let nature take its course. In the spirit of a free market, let’s make the basketball family decide for themselves which group they would like to have as leaders of their sport. Let’s have the real players of the basketball community make the decision and not just follow the directions of self-proclaimed basketball leaders. But who are these members of the basketball family?
Basketball players, make and take a stand now. Who do you want at the helm of the sport? The SBP or the BAP? The group led by Manny Pangilinan, Jinggoy Estrada and Jun Capistrano? Or the tandem of Christian Tan and Graham Lim? I’d like to see the players associations of the PBA, PBL, UAAP, NCAA and other leagues speak out.
Basketball leagues. Make a strong stand, too. On one side, the SBP counts on the membership of the most recognized and leading basketball leagues of the country including the PBA, PBL, UAAP, and NCAA. The BAP meanwhile, counts on 65 member organizations. On the local front, the MVBA of Michel Lhuillier and Yayoy Alcoseba are behind the BAP. The CESAFI is leaning towards supporting the SBP. While the BAP boasts of some 65 member leagues or organizations, the big question that I’d like to ask is who and where are these members? Are these legitimate organizations that can be compared to be of the same stuff as those with the SBP? Why haven’t we heard about any BAP league rising to prominence and being a dream league for young aspiring players?
While there is a great disparity in the numbers (quantity), the same can be said about the level of quality of the members of both groups. It looks like the SBP has fewer member-leagues, but these leagues’ respect and popularity leave the BAP’s member-leagues in the dust. What BAP leagues can match up with the PBA, PBL, UAAP and NCAA?
Coaches. The Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines (BCAP) has also thrown its support behind the formation of the SBP. BCAP President Chito Narvasa said they’ve left their neutral stance behind and have taken a stand.
We, the fans, should also speak out. We are the reasons for the existence of basketball leagues, aren’t we? As a fan, I strongly feel that this is a no-brainer of a question. We have suffered so much under the (mis)management of Graham Lim and it’s time for him to take a break.
And you?
*
Time-out: We proudly join Cebu in extending our warm welcome to all the delegates of the ASEAN Summit. Don’t forget that at the end of a tough day’s work, there’s always danggit at Tabo-an, dried mangoes, CNT lechon and Islands Souvenirs t-shirts. >>> You can reach me at bleachertalk@yahoo.com.
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