TNT Asian import Michael Madanly. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—The PBA is looking to bring back Asian imports to the league as part of its efforts of creating stronger ties with the other professional leagues in the continent.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association that the league is open for a potential influx of Asian imports in the coming seasons as other Filipino players are now under the employment of clubs in the Japan B. League.
Kiefer Ravena and Bobby Ray Parks Jr., who played in the PBA for several seasons, are now with the Shiga Lakestars and Nagoya Diamond Dolphins, respectively.
“We’ve done that before, and the concept really isn’t that far-off,” said Marcial in Filipino. “Us for us, any import is welcome. The only problem is the communication between the Asian imports.”
The league made the idea into reality in the 2015 and 2016 Governors’ Cups with notable Asian internationals bolstering several teams.
Taiwanese international Jet Chang, Syria’s Michael Madanly, and Jordan’s Sam Daghles all played in the PBA during the league’s short-lived foray in bringing in Asian players.
“We’re open to bringing back the concept, and maybe we’ll do it once again,” said Marcial.
The PBA also recently joined the East Asia Super League policy board in its attempts to create a stronger relationship with professional leagues from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and China.
It was back in 2018 that the PBA started its relationship with the EASL when NLEX and Blackwater joined the Summer Super 8 in Macau.
The Bossing, who went by the Elite back then, returned in 2019 for the Terrific 12 along with TNT and San Miguel.
The Beermen wound up finishing third in the tournament despite June Mar Fajardo sitting out the whole competition due to an ankle injury.