IN the wake of the news that television giant ABS-CBN pulled out of its coverage of the new Country-Wide Basketball League (CWBL), leaving the league in a quandary as it is set to tip-off in a month’s time, the Flying V Davao City Thunders, one of the “league’s” pioneering clubs, met on Monday morning to map out its future.
“The club for now,” according to team manager Joey Guillermo, “isn’t disbanding just yet. Team ownership is contemplating the possibility of continuing the team and playing in another league should the CWBL not push through. Should nothing happen over the next few weeks, the players will still be compensated for their services.”
Thunders point guard Froilan Baguion expressed satisfaction at the efforts by team management to keep the team and to help the players. “Very professional sila,” said the veteran playmaker who, after a sterling career with National University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, made an even bigger name for himself playing in the Asean Basketball League (ABL), where he was a Most Valuable Player. “Kung matutuloy lahat to, isusukli namin sila ng magandang laro at sana championship.”
According to some insiders of the CWBL, the league is looking at the possibility of continuing the league with or without another television carrier. While that is still up in the air, team management of the Thunders is seeking other competitions local or regional, such as the ABL.”
Thus far, the Flying V team has in its lineup Eric Salamat, Luis Sinco, Samuel Marata, Mikey Cabahug, Gwyne Capacio, Junjun Cabatu, Brian Ilad, Mark Andaya, Leo Avenido, Richard Albo, JR Ongteco, Carlo Sharma and Baguion, to name a few.
Thunders Head Coach Aric del Rosario (who is assisted by son Lester, Chris Bautista, Bert de la Rosa and Bennett Palad) was, likewise, happy with the developments. “Good concept ‘yung regional basketball,” said the multititled coach who made a name for himself for leading the University of Santo Tomas and the Pampanga Dragons to a bunch of championships. “Sana magustuhan ng management ’yung mga plano natin kung saan tayo puwede sumali.”
“We will find out in the next few days what’s going to happen,” Guillermo concluded. “The excitement remains.”