IN a display of commitment and willingness to serve the Philippine colors, the board of governors of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) unanimously agreed to immediately form a committee that will sit down with officials of the Basketball Association of the Philippines-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (BAP-SBP) to discuss a new memorandum of agreement (MOA).

Tony Chua, the incumbent chairman of the pro league, said a new agreement between the two associations should be in place as soon as possible to enable future national teams to prepare well and avoid any hitch that may spoil the country’s future campaigns.

Chua said the issue of a new accord has been discussed in the last PBA board meeting.

“I think it’s important for both of us [PBA and BAP-SBP] to discuss about crafting a new MOA if only to maintain a smooth working relationship and avoid problem in as far as forming the national team is concerned,” Chua said.

He cited the case of PBA Philippine Cup Sta. Lucia Realty, which missed an opportunity to represent the country in the Champions Cup because of a conflict in schedule.

The Champions Cup is set from May 8 to 16 in Kuwait and runs conflict with the PBA Fiesta Cup, which commenced on March 30.

“It would have been an honor for the league to have one of its members represent the country in the Champions Cup but the schedule of PBA Fiesta Conference got in the way,” Chua said.

Chua said he would discuss the selection of the members of the committee as soon as PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios arrives from the United States.

At the same time, Chua maintained that the Board of Governors fully support all the plans and programs of the BAP-SBP headed by its president Manny V Pangilinan.

“The Board of Governors of the PBA will continue to support the BAP-SBP in all it’s undertaking,” Chua said.  

Last year, PBA players represented the Philippines in the Fiba Asia-Olympic Qualifying tournament in Tokushima, Japan.

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IN a display of commitment and willingness to serve the Philippine colors, the board of governors of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) unanimously agreed to immediately form a committee that will sit down with officials of the Basketball Association of the Philippines-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (BAP-SBP) to discuss a new memorandum of agreement (MOA).

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