PBA still studying possibility of import conference

FILE – PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial during a press conference Wednesday night. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—The PBA said it will study the prospect of having foreign players for the second conference of the 46th season, league commissioner Willie Marcial said Friday.

Marcial said there are several issues regarding the second conference as there as still restrictions when it comes to entry of foreigners into the country.

“One, will the government allow foreigners into the country? Two, will the imports want to play here? And three, what if teams want to change their imports?” said Marcial in a virtual press conference.

“We’ll see how this goes, the first conference will end in October so by September or even now we can start discussing these things.”

The PBA on Friday got the green light from the national government to begin its much-delayed season on July 16.

Filipinos entering the Philippines still have to undergo the mandated quarantine period and the length depends if an individual is vaccinated or not.

Gilas as guest team

There is also the potential of having two straight All-Filipino conferences. Having Gilas Pilipinas play in the tournaments is also on the table.

Having the national team, though, will still be discussed with Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio as Gilas will only be a guest and won’t play the whole calendar.

“We could have two All-Filipinos and having Gilas play depends on what I and Al Panlilio talk about,” said Marcial. “They won’t play the whole conference, maybe just a handful of games. It will depend on what we discuss.”

RELATED STORIES

Lull before the storm: Gilas enters quarantine ahead of Asia Cup

Gilas Pilipinas could feature in PBA Philippine Cup