PBA, KBL AGREE ON POSSIBLE TIEUPS
SEOUL, Korea – The Korean Basketball League, cradle of Asia’s most fearsome sharp shooters, is amenable to letting its players see action in the PBA under the latter’s “Asian integration” plan.
And in return, KBL commissioner Kim Young Ki and secretary general Jae Min Lee also want PBA stars to play in their league.
The Korean cage officials are also mulling the idea of hosting a PBA official game.
These were among the things talked about as PBA Board chairman Patrick Gregorio, commissioner Chito Salud, special assistant Willie Marcial and operations chief Rickie Santos visited the KBL’s spanking 10-story office here Thursday.
“They are always excited to play against us, and they know that if we cooperate, it will be good for both leagues and both the Filipino and Korean people,” said Gregorio.
Gregorio’s main agenda is to sell his “Asian integration” plan set to be implemented in the coming PBA Governors’ Cup.
“We told them about our plan to invite their player or players for the import-laced third conference. They were impressed, especially when they learned that there are around one million Koreans in the Philippines,” said Gregorio.
“The KBL officials were so impressed with the idea that they quickly sought to have that too. We reciprocated by saying ‘yes, we’re letting our PBA players play in their league too,’” Gregorio added.
“Imagine, nakuha na kaagad nila ang ideya natin. Ang gusto kaagad ay payagan rin natin na makapaglaro ang PBA players natin sa kanilang liga,” Gregorio added.
To start that particular program in the PBA, the league is opening its door to Asian players in the Governors’ Cup in the coming PBA Season 40.
Asian recruits will be on top of the regular imports playing in the season-ending Governors’ Cup. Tentatively, the Board agreed to allow the teams, optionally, to recruit one Asian player each with a maximum height of 6-foot-4.
“As I’ve said, this is something to look forward to. They (the Koreans) also realized the marketing and branding benefits. Sec-Gen Lee said our rivalry goes a long, long way. They mentioned Shin Dong Pa. Until now, they remember Busan and the Manila FIBA Asia,” said Gregorio.
Kim and Lee have been invited to grace the opening of the PBA’s 40th Season on October 19.
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