Dubai: The Philippines Basketball Association (PBA) will add Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to its schedule next season, according to outgoing PBA Commissioner Chito Salud.
The PBA has previously only held three competitive events in Dubai since 2007 ahead of this weekend’s fourth staging at Al Shabab Al Arabi Club in Al Mamzar between Rain or Shine, Ginebra and Global Port. But now it’s planning an audacious bid to expand it’s footprint across the region.
“We have three conferences in a season and we’re aiming to bring PBA games to Qatar, probably Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and Taipei for next season,” Salud said at the press conference to announce the PBA’s fourth excursion to Dubai on Wednesday. “We will push with this plan because we want to bring joy to our kababayans [compatriots] abroad by bringing the best basketball players in the Philippines to their region.”
Salud will assume the role of PBA CEO next season as Chito Narvasa replaces him as commissioner. He said he was proud of his legacy but believed the time was right for new ideas.
“I’ve done my share and now it’s time to pass the baton to a fresh face with fresh ideas and a fresh voice,” he said.
“I think I was able to dispel the notion that the PBA was no longer competitive with respect to other forms of entertainment on TV. I’ve been able to reinstall in the minds of our players what our forefathers wanted to instill in our minds, and accept that they are representatives and role models to our youth.
“Chito Nervasa will be an independent commissioner, the demarcation between commissioner and CEO has to be drawn and we will respect that, but we will help each other and work together to make sure the product of the league, and simply put the game, is further improved. He will have a different style and I respect that, as long as it’s effective it’s fine for everyone.”
Regarding Cagayan Valley Rising Suns coach Alvin Pua’s life-ban for punching a referee last week, Salud said the PBA wouldn’t be forced into a compromise upon hearing Cagayan are threatening to withdraw from the PBA development league in protest at poor refereeing.
“It’s hard to comment on something that is yet to happen,” he said of Cagayan’s threat to pull out. “I will make my own statement and decision once, and when, and if, it comes to it.
“I haven’t heard any move on their part to contest the decision so how can it be rescinded without appeal? The ban was only issued two days ago so to reconsider now? It’s maybe a little too early for that. Also, a ban, is a ban.”
