League teaches players how to play game of life

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial —DENISON DALUPANG

The Philippine Basketball Association held a Players’ Orientation as part of the league’s Player Development Program at Meralco Theatre on Friday afternoon to help its athletes navigate life as public figures.

“This could help in promoting themselves and the league,” commissioner Willie Marcial told reporters in Filipino. “This is also going to teach them how to groom themselves as well as bolster their financial literacy.”

San Miguel Beer guard Chris Ross and former Alaska big man Tony dela Cruz led the parade of speakers, discussing the sensitive issue of mental health.

Other speakers included legend Ronnie Magsanoc, Chesca Tenorio, wife of Ginebra floor general LA Tenorio, and Inquirer columnist and broadcaster Sev Sarmenta, who talked about how to deal with media interviews. The talks varied from financial literacy, investments, social media etiquette and even grooming.

“We spend maybe five, six hours [on basketball], but in the other 18 hours, you’re in life. Life’s real and life’s hard,” Ross said. “A lot of people see this as we are just basketball players. Well, a lot have families, a lot of people have businesses, so it’s good to be versed and taught in those things today.”

“At least we know that the league is taking care of us for what comes after in life,” NLEX rookie Kris Porter said.