Eala: Balance between PBA, national team is crucial

Balancing the interests of both the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and the national team will be the key to forming a competitive squad for international competitions—a consensus reached by the past four pro league commissioners during Noli Eala’s “Power and Play” program on Saturday.

“We all know that the PBA is for entertainment. A balanced competition is needed. On the national team side, we have to make sure [a team is] competitive and [it is] focused on international tournaments,” said Eala, a former PBA chief.

“The balance is the issue,” said Sonny Barrios, who now serves as the executive director of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas during an episode of “Power and Play” on Saturday. Barrios was PBA commissioner after Eala.

“Our problem has always been, in the international arena, is the chemistry and continuity of our team,” former PBA boss Chito Salud said.

Salud acknowledged that he had it easier during his tenure, citing that Fiba’s tournaments only had a single qualification window each year.

“That’s why we’re able to lend players,” he said. “But since the term of [Chito Narvasa] and [Willie Marcial] now, you have four every year.”

The important thing, according to Marcial, the current commissioner, is that whatever proposal will be backed by the PBA’s board.