MANILA, Philippines—Cautious that its efforts could be put to waste, the Philippine Basketball Association postponed its decision to name the head coach for the national team pending the outcome of a legal clash between the warring factions in amateur basketball.

“All we wanted is for the issue to be resolved at once so we can proceed with the formation of the national team,” said PBA Commissioner Renauld Barrios. “And it (formation) will start with the naming of the coach.”

Barrios decided to defer the announcement on the league’s choice on who would take over the national men’s team coaching portfolio until after the court case between the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and the Basketball Association of the Philippines is settled.

The Manila Regional Trial Court declared the present leadership of the BAP-SBP illegitimate and asked the federation “to cease and desist from acting as officers of the BAP-SBP.”

“Right now, my hands are tied because of the latest development. A legal issue has its consequences,” said Barrios. “Being tasked by the SBP to form the national team means we are a part of it.”

BAP-SBP executive director Noli Eala said the federation has secured a temporary restraining order on the Sept. 3 decision of Judge Antonio Eugenio (Manila RTC Branch 24) from Justice Juan Enriquez Jr. of Division 11 in the Court of Appeals.

“It’s totally not a related issue. It also shows inconsistency within the SBP where the PBA is a member,” said Eala.

“We’re confident with the case which the SBP appealed. I don’t know where that feeling of his (Barrios) is coming from but that decision doesn’t speak well. It’s not his concern,” added Eala.

The TRO issued by the CA will prevent the Manila RTC from enforcing its decision.