PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios and PBA chairman Lito Alvarez shared the view that the young Gilas squad, bankrolled by businessman/sportsman Manny V. Pangilinan, would only need additional big men to become more formidable against the new powerhouse squads in the region.
“I think they just need an American big man, who can patrol the shaded lane and they’re ready to go,” Alvarez told Standard Today. “Hindi na nila kakailanganin ang PBA players because the system is already in place.”
Barrios agreed with Alvarez’s assessment.
“Baka naman kasi kapag kumuha pa sila sa amin, imbes na makabuti, mapasama pa,” said Barrios. “Kasi nga naman, their players had already sacrificed a lot, tapos kung kukuha pa sila sa amin, baka sumama pa loob nila. Baka makaapekto pa sa team chemistry nila.”
The two PBA executives gave their opinion following reports that Smart-Gilas coach Rajko Toroman signified his intention of tapping Kelly Williams of Sta. Lucia, Jared Dillinger of Talk N Text and Gabe Norwood of Rain or Shine.
“I’d like to believe na publicity lang ’yun because the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has not furnished us a request. If ever they’re serious about it, then they should formalize their request,” said Alvarez.
Barrios believes that the Smart-Gilas’ strong third-place finish in the Dubai International basketball tournament could be the determining factor as to how the team’s program will go.
“Maybe ’yung request nila asking the PBA to beef up their squad was few months ago, nu’ng hindi pa sila sumasabak sa tournament sa Middle East. I think ‘yung line of thinking nila is iba na at this time. They may have realized na kaya naman pala nila even without the PBA’s help,” added Barrios.
Source: Rey Joble | Manila Standard Today
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