THE Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is not turning its back on its commitment to field players for international competitions.

But commissioner Renauld “Sonny” Barrios wants to know the specifics on how the league will be involved, especially in the coming season when the PBA is mulling over reverting to the three-conference format.

“That’s the reason why na-hold ang pag-finalize ng format next year, because the [PBA] board wants the league to have a discussion first with director Noli Eala [of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas],” Barrios told the BusinessMirror Wednesday.

“Supporting the national team is a very general statement. If you ask me that question, sagot ng PBA diyan ay yes. Now, the next question which we want to know is how and when, which we think kailangan ng masusing usapan,” he added.

Eala, Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP)-SBP’s executive director, already wrote to the PBA asking for a meeting on July 7, mainly to finalize the specific details of the pro league’s involvement in international meets.

Barrios is hoping Eala and BAP-SBP has answers to those questions, especially on the league’s participation next year.

“Ako naman, I’m not looking that far ahead. I think importante ’yung involvement ng PBA next year para maayos namin ang format next season,” said Barrios.

The PBA board will convene in Macau from August 25 to 27 to map out the league’s activities for the 2008-09 season.

“Then after knowing that, the next questions we will raise are sino gagastos, sino mag-a-appoint ng coach at paano kukuha ng players? These are the specifics we want to know during that meeting,” said Barrios.

Since 1990, the PBA has been in charge of representing the country in elite tournaments. Eala, Barrios’s predecessor, is inclined to create a genuine long-term program for the men’s national team, but admitted the SBP still needs the PBA’s help to achieve its goals.

The pro league will most likely to be tapped for the 2009 Fiba-Asia qualifier for the 2010 World Championship in Turkey.

“The PBA, having the best talent in the country, should be part of the equation. That’s why we in the SBP wanted to know if they are still committed to help the cause of the national team,” said Eala.

Barrios lauded the SBP’s plan of not being dependent on the PBA in the near future, whenever the formation of the men’s team is being discussed.

“From what I understand, director Eala, when he’s still the commissioner of the PBA, crafted an ‘exit plan’ ng PBA sa involvement sa RP team. And now’s he is the executive director ng SBP, it’s a good development to achieve that plan,” he said.

Eala and former PBA chairman Ricky Vargas both agreed that the SBP needs the pro league’s help for at least two more years before the basketball federation can start implementing their own program for national players.

Roach pushing for Pacquiao-Hatton

EVERYTHING is still on the negotiating table, but American trainer Freddie Roach wants to cut to the chase and see prized ward Manny Pacquiao rumble with British superstar Ricky Hatton straight on.

PBA stresses support, but calls for specifics

THE Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is not turning its back on its commitment to field players for international competitions.

Thai takes early lead in rainy Malarayat, La’O in the hunt

LIPA CITY—Riding the crest of a maiden pro victory at the Mercedes-Benz Masters Philippines last month, Thai star Wisut Artjanawat displayed awesome shot-making to score a five-under-par 67 at the start of the rain-drenched ICTSI-Mount Malarayat Championship on Wednesday.

LONG jumpers Henry Dagmil and Marestella Torres have been named on the elite Team Philippines gunning for the country’s first Olympic gold medal in the Beijing Games from August 8 to 24.

Benilde looks like it’s primed to blaze a trail

COLLEGE of Saint Benilde (CSB) turned to its reliable defense to overcome an atrocious, error-filled offense and outlast University of Perpetual Help Dalta System, 61-54, for their second-straight win in the 84th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament Wednesday at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

Ask Coach E: A silver lining in the clouds

The names may not register right now, but I’m sure that these players (whose names I will mention later) are soon the future of Philippine basketball. Virtually, it’s history unfolding before our very eyes.

Part Of The Game: Sharing glory

INDULGE me for one more week. The last couple have been so made of leprechaun stuff that I’m like Alice traipsing through Wonderland. As in, will wonders never cease?