PBA squads struggling to hire imports

Hiring imports is turning out to be a challenge following the Philippine Basketball Association's decision to change its calendar for its new season.

At least two teams admitted that they are having a hard time getting quality imports for the Commissioner's Cup as most of their prospects are already committed to other professional leagues in Asia like those in Japan, South Korea and even Taiwan.

Usually, the league opens with the Philippine Cup followed by the Commissioner's Cup and the Governors' Cup.

But with the PBA adjusting its calendar to give way for Gilas Pilipinas' participation in the country's hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup, the Commissioner's Cup was pushed to the later part of the year in which quality reinforcements not
taller than 6-foot-9 are already tied up with other teams.

"We're having a hard time because they already have offers from other countries in Asia," a team executive told DAILY TRIBUNE, speaking on condition of anonymity. "It's really getting challenging for us."

Another coach from a rival team shared a similar experience in which their prospect had already agreed in principle but backed out at the last minute to accept a better offer to campaign in China.

"We've already agreed, but decided not to fly to the Philippines," the coach said. "There was even a coach from another team who told us that they also had a similar experience when all of a sudden their import choice refused to board his flight after he
found out that he was over the height limit. By the way, this import was only listed 6-foot-8."

Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao acknowledged that while the change of schedule may have affected the availability of some of the crack imports, the problem is bigger in other aspects.

"For me, availability of imports is only minimal," Guiao said. "In fact, there are imports who are still applying for us. The bigger problem we see is choosing the ones from your list because even if you've chosen one, the process of
his availability will still need some time."

Guiao believes that there will still be a lot of talent as soon as the FIBA Basketball World Cup comes to a close.

"We expect teams to scramble at the last minute a few weeks before the start of the new season. But it will still be enough for them to find decent if not good reinforcements," Guiao said.

So far, only four teams have already announced their imports. Justin Brownlee and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson will be returning to Barangay Ginebra and TNT Tropang Giga, respectively, while Feron Hunt will reinforce Meralco and Tyler Bey
will suit up for Magnolia.