PBA Scores, News and Updates

[Zurca]

Rain or Shine ready to face consequences after 'partial walkout,' says top official

RAIN or Shine is ready to face the consequences of its 'walkout' in Game Six of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals against San Mig, officials said on Wednesday.

Team governor Atty Mert Mondragon bared they won't be surprised by a sanction from the league after the Painters staged what the PBA termed a 'partial walkout' in protest of what they felt was unfair officiating.

"Eh gusto naming ipakita sa tao na mali talaga ang ilang tawag. And I'm sure nakita nila (fans) na lugi talaga kami," said Mondragon.

Asked if they are ready to face Commissioner Chito Salud, Mondragon was firm in his stand.

"Oo, ready kami humarap kay Kume. Kahit buong team pa pupunta kami," he said.

Rain or Shine team manager Boy Lapid bared that they felt the team was at the losing end of officiating which led to an early blowout lead by San Mig.

"Grabe naman kasi yung tawagan. May mga pwedeng let go, pipituhan pa sa amin," said Lapid.

A Rain or Shine source told Spin.ph that three straight fouls called on the team in the latter part of the first period pushed coach Yeng Guiao to call his men to the dugout.

The team insiders said offensive foul whistled against Jeff Chan, JR Quinahan and Ryan Arana infuriated Guiao, who pointed out that they were assessed seven fouls against San Mig's three at that point.

"Let's go," said Guiao to his players who immediately followed him to the dugout at the start of the second period.

Rain or Shine assistant coach Ricky Umayam bared the walkout wasn't planned.

"Hindi planado yun. Talagang nainis lang kami sa tawagan parang nakapabor kasi eh," said the soft-spoken assistant.

Meanwhile fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum treated the walk out as added spice to the already exciting finals matchup.

Well-known cycling patron Alex Billan, who was at the gallery, believes events like this further add interest and color to the game.

"Syempre, dagdag sarsa 'yan. Nakaka-excite. Look, the game became more intense," said Billan, owner of the Excellent Noodles cycling team.

A longtime sports fan, Billan said the walkout may be a calculated move on the part of Guiao to fire up the Painters.

"I think it was a calibrated move, para kahit papano nawala bwelo ng San Mig. Look the game is closer now," he said at the half.

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

Rain or Shine facing P2M penalty as PBA summons team officials for 'partial walkout'

HE PBA has summoned Rain or Shine officials for a meeting on Thursday after what league officials called a ‘partial walkout’ done by the Elasto Painters in Game Six of the Philippine Cup Finals against San Mig Coffee.

PBA media bureau chief Willy Marcial said the league has summoned team governor Atty. Memerto Mondragon and team manager Boy Lapid to 10:30 a.m. meeting following the Elastopainters’ near walkout at the onset of the second quarter on Wednesday.

The summon came after the entire Rain or Shine squad led by head coach Yeng Guiao headed back to the locker room in protest over what it felt was 'unfair officiating' before being prevailed upon to return to the court.

Marcial said there is actually provision in the league's by-laws that slaps a team P2 million for a ‘partial walkout,’ the league's term for the action of a team that walked out but eventually returned to the court.

Red Bull was slapped with a P500,000 for its walkout in the 2006 Philippine Cup semifinals against San Miguel even though the team returned to finish the game.

Incidentally, Guiao was also the head coach of the Red Bull squad.

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

Indomitable Barroca stands tall as San Mig wins title with emotional Game Six win (02/26/14)

Mark Barroca came through with one big basket after the other at crunch time to power San Mig to the PBA Philippine Cup championship via an emotional 93-87 Game Six victory over Rain or Shine on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Barroca, a former Smart Gilas mainstay who came into his own in his third season with San Mig, took over when the Mixers needed a leader on the court in a thrilling game marred by a 'partial walkout' by Rain or Shine before more than 20,000 fans inside the historic Big Dome.

The diminutive San Mig playmaker completed three-point play off Jervy Cruz, nailed a top-of-the-key three-pointer, before adding a drive to the basket over a one-minute span to personally keep a fighting Rain or Shine side at bay, 89-83, with 1:32 to go.

Beau Belga matched Barroca with his own eight-point cluster, though San Mig’s energetic forward Marc Pingris preserved his teammate’s heroics with a pair of foul shots as well as a defensive play that forced Paul Lee to a turnover that all but settled the outcome of the title series.

Barroca cemented his place as one of the league’s fast-rising point guards after scoring a game-high 24 points, 18 in the second half, to go along with three rebounds and five assists as San Mig won its second successive league championship via 4-1 win in the best-of-seven series.

The title conquest also moved San Mig coach Tim Cone past the legendary Virgilio `Baby’ Dalupan to become the most successful coach of the league of all time with his 16 PBA championships.

At the same time, the championship made San Mig one of the greatest All-Filipino teams with six Philippine Cup championships since joining the league in 1988.

The Mixers’ championship conquest overshadowed the Elasto Painters’ dramatic 'walkout' just 21 seconds into the second period after what coach Yeng Guiao felt were “bad calls” against his team.

After league commissioner Chito Salud and special assistant Willy Marcial talked with Rain or Shine team owner Raymund Yu outside the team’s dugout, Guiao and the rest of the Elasto Painters eventually returned to the court to resume action.

The 'walkout,' however, appeared to pump up the Elasto Painters, who battled back from several deficits as big as 17 points to pull within six, 49-43, at the half.

Rain or Shine even took the lead briefly in the third quarter and kept the game close until the fourth, where Barroca scored 14 points to seal the deal for the Mixers.

The scores:

San Mig 93 - Barroca 24, Sangalang 15, Devance 12, Pingris 12, Yap 10, Simon 9, Reavis 5, Mallari 4, Melton 2.

Rain or Shine 87 - Lee 23, Belga 21, Cruz 11, Chan 7, Quinahan 6, Rodriguez 6, Arana 5, Tiu 3, Ibanes 3, Norwood 2, Almazan 0, Tang 0.

Quarterscores: 30-17, 49-43, 66-67, 93-87

From SPIN.ph

[tonistork]

PI talaga si Guiao, di magandang ehemplo, lintek sya eh congressman pa naman.

TALUNAN KASI SI KALBO.

[Zurca]

Mark Barroca's journey from Palaro runner to PBA Finals MVP

MANILA, Philippines - Even before evolving into the 'Coffee King' of the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers, newly-minted PBA Philippine Cup Finals Most Valuable Player Mark Barroca had to weather huge struggles in his early life prior to claiming the elusive distinction.

Barroca dazzled in Wednesday’s Game 6, scoring 24 points, on 9-of-16 shooting, and added 5 assists and 2 steals to help the Mixers beat Rain or Shine, 93-87 and annex their first Philippine Cup crown in 4 years.

That crown capped a conference of breakthrough numbers in just his third season in the league: 13.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.27 APG, 2.03 SPG, and 0.43 BPG in this season so far - all career-highs in his early PBA career.

Hailed as one of the toughest point guards in the league, the 5-foot-9 playmaker proved he was an integral part of San Mig Coffee's run at back-to-back PBA crowns.

Right after receiving his silverware, Barroca was mobbed by members of the press and fans who wished to have their moments with him.

But the royalty he is cherishing right now is nowhere near the hardships he had to undergo while growing up in the impoverished town of Recodo in the Zamboanga region.

"Sobrang hirap namin dati. Di naman ako mayaman eh. May time na nafoforce akong kumita ng pera para sa pamilya ko," Barroca told Rappler. (We were really less fortunate before. There was a point I had to earn money for my family.)

Barroca, the youngest of five children, had to earn money the hard way, participating in local basketball leagues to earn some change for his family. His parents at that time had no occupation.


A humble run in Palarong Pambansa

Like how many athletes from the provinces started, Barroca traced his early beginnings with stints at the Palarong Pambansa - the Department of Education's national sports spectacle for elementary and high school athletes - hoping to find a break.

As a skinny, 5-foot-3 kid with dark-complexion, Barroca participated in the 2003-04 Games, where he would cop medals as a competitor for Region 9 (Zamboanga region).

But it seems Barroca was not satisfied, and searched for his true love in the sports business.

"Track and field ako doon. Blessed lang siguro. Di ko naman in-expect na magiging ganito ako. Doon, runner ako, pero gusto ko lang naman mag-basketball," he said. (I'm a track and field player before. Maybe I'm just blessed; I didn't expect to be where I am right now. I was a runner there but I just wanted to play basketball.)

The 5th overall pick in the 2011 PBA Draft barely played the sport, but channeled his track and field skills to hasten how he adapted to his new home.

"Namaximize ko lang yung track and field, like may konting skills nako katulad ng quickness, yung pivot. Eventually na-improve ko lang dahil sa mga coach na magagaling at mga PBA players, na-improve ko skills ko." (I maximized by track and field skills when I entered basketball. Skills like quickness and pivot; eventually I improved when it comes to basketball with all the great coaches and PBA stars.)


Big leap from Zambo to Manila

Barroca held this big dream, and fought hard with fortune to land himself in one of the premier college basketball squads in the country: Far Eastern University.

The Tamaraws' head coach during that time, Bert Flores, had a friend in Zamboanga who recommended Barroca to try-out. At that point, Flores was looking for a point guard to take over the spot vacated by skipper Jonas Villanueva.

"Nadiscover niya ako at naglaro kami basketball. First time ko lang maglaro ng basketball nun. Breaks lang talaga, napunta ako sa FEU, napunta ako sa magandang team," recalled Barroca of Flores' teammate who is responsible for pushing him to the collegiate spotlight. (Flores' former teammate and friend in Zamboanga discovered me, and then we played basketball. That was my first time to play the sport. I'm glad to get a break and I landed in a great team in FEU.)

Barroca grew rapidly; it surprised him but he willingly accepted it as an asset. Coupled with his athletics skills, he finally held a basketball and began practicing the nation’s most popular sport.

"5-foot-3 lang ako, pagdating ko ng FEU biglang naging 5-foot-9. Di ko rin inasahan kasi wala naman akong tina-trabaho, tulog lang, basketball, tsaka weights. Nagulat ako tumangkad nako." (I was just surprised that from 5-foot-3, I grew to 5-foot-9. I didn't really work out on my height but just slept, play ball and do weight training.)

And when Barroca got the spot, he would do everything to keep it. He played with impact for the Tamaraws in the UAAP, leading them to the Final Four in 2010. Game-fixing allegations however, would suddenly force him out of FEU.


Competing with Asia's best

But that issue did not stop Barroca from achieving his goals. He kept his eye on the ultimate prize, and went on to become part of Rajko Toroman's Smart Gilas Pilipinas national basketball team in 2009. Mark Barroca immediately showcased what he was capable of doing of, scoring 36 points in an exhibition game against PBA's Burger King.

Along with the best amateur athletes, Barroca went all over the globe, training in several camps in Serbia, Australia, United States, and Dubai while playing in prestigious tournaments like the Asian Games, FIBA Asia Champions Cup, FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup, Dubai International Basketball tournament, and the 2011 FIBA Asia Championship in Wuhan, China that culminated his 3-year stay with Smart Gilas.

“Sobrang blessed ako to be part of the team, kaunti lang ang nakakapunta sa mga ganoong lugar e.” (I’m very blessed to be part of that team. Only a few people have been in those places so it’s really an honor.)

From Rappler.com

[Zurca]

Tim Cone on walkout: 'Yeng motivates in different ways and we know that'

TIM CONE hopes the ‘partial walkout’ instigated by Rain or Shine in Wednesday night’s Game Six won’t detract from the hard work San Mig had put in to win the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup championship.

The Elasto Painters were forced to walk out of the playing court during the early part of the second quarter for what they deemed was `unfair’ officiating, although they were prevailed upon later to return and finish the game.

Cone, however, prefers that fans remember the game as a culmination of the Mixers’ hard work that began when they made their way back from a 1-5 win-loss record in the eliminations, dethroned defending champion Talk `N Text in a quarterfinals series that went the full route, ousted top seeded and crowd favorite Barangay Ginebra in a winner-take-all Game Seven, before finally finishing Rain or Shine in six games to win their sixth All-Filipino title.

“I hope it doesn’t detract from the hard work we put in and into the whole series. We worked hard,” Cone said.

The Mixers won the best-of-seven series against the Elasto Painters, 4-2, including a 93-87 title-clinching win.

“We came out and really played well. I thought we came out really, really well with tremendous amount of energy. I think we outplayed them early,” said Cone.

The San Mig Coffee coach, who just passed legendary coach Virgilio `Baby’ Dalupan for the most titles in PBA annals with 16, admitted the unpopular move made by Rain or Shine somewhat affected the Mixers, allowing the Elasto Painters to charge back and made a fight out of it.

“They came back with the momentary walkout. They outplayed us, no doubt about it. But we were outplaying them,” said Cone.

When asked if he was offended by Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao’s actions, Cone replied, “No comment.”

However, Cone said it was up to his team to respond to what he perceived was a ‘mind game’ played on them by the unpredictable coach.

“Yeng motivates in different ways and we know that. It was up to us to keep being focused and keep trying to win the basketball game. We just want to win the basketball game,” said Cone.

From SPIN.ph

[billkulas]

Naku!!! i Let go daw yung mga foul call against sa ROS? yes the refs did.

[Zurca]

Rain or Shine fined P2M for partial walkout in PBA Finals

MANILA, Philippines – Aside from the sting of a championship loss, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters will have to stomach a hefty fine of P2 million or about $45,000.

According to a statement from Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner Chito Salud on the league's official Twitter account, the team was penalized as such "for subverting public interest and the integrity of the game."

The decision was made following a discussion with Rain or Shine team owners Raymond Yu and Terry Que, along with Board Governor Atty. Mamerto Mondragon, Coach Yeng Guiao and team manager Boy Lapid, where Guiao clarified that the walkout "was not a premeditated move on the part of the ballclub." He also added that the decision to leave the playing court was his own.

Guiao prompted his team to leave the court at the 11:39 mark of the second period during Game 6 of the Philippine Cup Finals on Wednesday, February 26.

Commissioner Salud together with PBA Media Bureau Chief Willie Marcial immediately spoke with Yu. After which, the entire team made their way back to the court and play was resumed.

According to PBA rules, there is a provision on partial walkout, which is defined as "the whole team leaving the playing court and returning to continue to play within the allotted time."

Guiao was also suspended for one game in the semifinals after he flashed the dirty finger on San Miguel Beermen's (formerly Petron Blaze Boosters) Arwind Santos.

Rain or Shine lost in the Finals in 6 games against the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers, denying Guiao once again of an All-Filipino title.

From Rappler.com

[Zurca]

Philippine Cup technical fouls cost Yeng Guiao a staggering P426,000 in penalties

IT'S not only Rain or Shine that will be paying a huge bill in terms of fines at the end of the PBA Philippine Cup.

The team's coach will be hit hard in the wallet, too.

Believe it or not, Rain or Shine's fiery coach has accumulated nearly half a million pesos in fines for the technicals and other penalties he incurred during the season-opening conference, where the Elasto Painters finished runner-up to San Mig.

Guiao's bill reached a staggering total of P426,400 mostly because of a league rule that assesses a P50,000 penalty for each technical a coach, player, or official receives that goes beyond the nine technicals allotted per conference.

Aside from that, Guiao instigated the 'partial walkout' in Game Six of the Finals against San Mig which cost Rain or Shine P2 million in fines - a league record for 'game-related incidents.'

As it is, the multi-titled Guiao was meted a total of 13 technical fouls for the duration of the all-Filipino conference, meaning his last four technicals alone cost him P200,000.

Add to that total the P100,000 fine he incurred, to go with a one-game suspension, for flashing an obscene gesture at league officials during Game Four of Rain or Shine's semifinal series against Petron which the Painters won in five games.

According to PBA record-keepers, the Rain or Shine coach reached the nine-technical foul limit during Game Three of the Petron series, which the Painters lost, 73-106.

Throughout his career, the total fines Guiao have paid are well past the P1 million mark.

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

Blackwater closer to becoming 11th PBA team after clearing due diligence by league

BLACKWATER Sports cleared a major hurdle on Thursday night and took a major step towards becoming the first expansion team to be accepted into the PBA in 14 years.

The Dioceldo Sy-owned team, which has had a history of successes in the amateur leagues, cleared a review of its financial capability to put up a PBA ballclub and has been given the green light to submit a letter of intent to formalize its application for a league franchise.

Although the application will still need the approval of the league board, PBA chairman Ramon Segismundo said all signs point to Blackwater becoming the 11th team when Asia's first play-for-pay cage league opens its 40th season in October.

“All indications lean towards them (Blackwater Sports) joining us next season,” said Segismundo, who has been aggressively pursuing expansion for the league under his chairmanship.

Sy has been fielding teams in top commercial leagues for the last 15 years beginning with the Blu Detergent team that brought in Asi Taulava through the PBL in 1997.

Of late, his Blackwater Sports team is also a perennial title contender in the PBA D-League.

There also appeared to be no question about Sy's capability to fund a PBA team for the long term. The businessman owns Ever Bilena, the county's biggest cosmetics company, and is also into networking of ready-to-wear products, among other businesses.

In an interview with Spin.ph, Sy said he was elated that the league has already opened its door to them.

“I am very happy. This is my longtime dream. Anlapit ko na sa pangarap ko na 'yun. Thanks to commissioner Chito Salud and the PBA for welcoming us with open arms,” said Sy, who was joined by brother Silliman and business partner Wilbert Loa in the meeting with PBA officials at the Tao Yuan Restaurant in Robinson’s Place Magnolia.

“I believe that PBA is the best marketing tool to promote my products. Tamang tama kasi mag-e-expand ako ng business. From fragrances, maglalabas na rin ako ng mga Blackwater soap. The PBA can provide the needed brand recall sa mga produkto natin,” he said.

After it submits a letter of intent Friday afternoon, Blackwater Sports will now wait for the response of the PBA board which will convene on March 6, incidentally the birthday of Sy.

“Tamang tama nga birthday ko yun eh. It will be most special birthday gift ever. Pero last night was one of the happiest moments of my life,” said Sy.

Asked if he has the capability to maintain a PBA team for a long period of time, the amiable businessman was undaunted.

“Yes, more than 15 years na tayo sa basketball and our business is consistent in selling our products,” said Sy.

From SPIN.ph

[kingjames24szupladoh]

2014 PBA Commissioner's Cup Imports:


Air21 - Herve Lamizana 6'10
Alaska - Robert Dozier 6'9
Barako Bull - Joshua Dollard 6'7
Barangay Ginebra - Leon Rodger 6'7
Globalport - Evans Brock 6'9
Meralco Bolts - Brian Butch 6'11
Rain or Shine - Alex McLean 6'8
San Miguel Beer - Josh Boone 6'9
San Mig Coffee - James Mays 6'9
Talk 'N Text - Richard Howell 6'8

[tonistork]

May natira pa kaya kay Josh Boone?

Sayang din ito at 1st round draft pick sa NBA (23rd Overall), di nga lang maganda naging career sa New Jersey Nets.

[Zurca]

No rest for the weary as San Mig back in practice days after title conquest

JUST two days after capturing the PBA Philippine Cup title, San Mig are back in the gym for practice with incoming import James Mays.

Coach Tim Cone, who won his 16th PBA title to become the winningest coach in league history on Wednesday, said he has assigned at least 10 players to practice with the 6-9 Mays starting Friday as they prepare for the Commissioner’s Cup set to kick off next week.

Although the Mixers won’t see action in the import-laced conference until March 12 when they go up against Globalport, Cone said it is imperative for his players to stay sharp while helping their American reinforcement get familiar with his trademark triangle offense.

“We’re trying to schedule some breaks and just try to think out of the box, try to be creative because we can’t take a long break since our import is here,” Cone told Spin.ph.

The American mentor said the short conference break after the Philippine Cup Finals prevents the team from fully enjoying the championship, the franchise’s 11th title overall and sixth in an all-Filipino conference.

Although San Mig players will be given breaks by batches after a draining Philippine Cup campaign that saw them play a total of 16 games in the playoffs alone, Cone expects everybody to be back practicing together come Friday next week.

“We’ve talked about taking a break in groups rather than the whole team. And we try to get everybody up back, maybe on the 7th or 8th (of March) so we can get everybody to practice together and have full team practice,” he added.

San Mig clinched the Philippine Cup after beating Rain or Shine, 93-86 in Game Six on Wednesday night for a 4-2 Finals series victory.

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

Parks, Banchero eyed as Blackwater's direct-hire recruits ahead of jump to PBA

AN explosive backcourt featuring amateur stars Bobby Ray Parks Jr. and Chris Banchero could likely make up the roster of Blackwater Sports if and when the franchise finally gets the nod of the PBA board to become the league’s 11th member ballclub.

A source told Spin.ph that team owner Dioceldo Sy will be pushing to have direct-hire rights once its application is approved so Blackwater can tab two of the finest players in the amateur ranks today.

Depending on the board, an expansion team like Blackwater Sports is usually given the concession of bringing with it as much as five players directly from the amateur ranks.

Sy confirmed to Spin.ph the Elite are now trying to lure in Parks to join the team in the coming D-League Foundation Cup where the team is the reigning champion.

“Yes, we are now trying to establish links with him (Parks). We want him with us, we have already sent a feeler,” said Sy.

Parks will be available for the season-ending conference of the D-League which opens on March 18 as his former squad the BDO-NU Bulldogs, is not fielding a team to the tournament.

“Basta we will talk to him. And we will also seek help from his patrons for him to become a part of Blackwater Sports,” said Sy, who is known to be close to SM Group of Company big bosses Hans and Manny Sy, the major backer of National University.

Although he plays for Boracay Rum in the D-League, Banchero has an existing contract with Blackwater Sports as an official endorser.

The good-looking Fil-Italian guard was supposed to play for the Elite during the D-League Aspirants Cup only to be hindered by a new league ruling requiring all incoming rookies to go through the draft, where Banchero was eventually selected as the no. 1 overall pick by Boracay Rum.

“Kakausapin ni Boss Dio (Sy) yung si Chris. I am sure he can be an impact player. He is a good playmaker, plus his looks will definitely draw fans to support the team,” said a Blackwater Sports insider.

“Saka Banchero greatly represents our products. So I think it will be pursued,” added the source.

Some of the marquee names currently playing for Blackwater in the D-League which the team can consider as possible direct hires are prolific Adamson guard Jerico Cruz, UST stars Kevin Ferrer and Paolo Pe, and 6-foot-7 Fil-Am center Andrew Avillanoza.

Another information reaching Spin.ph bared the Ever Bilena franchise is reportedly negotiating with Cagayan Valley Rising Suns hotshot John Pinto.

Likewise, former PBA draftees Reil Cervantes and current Blackwater star Allan Mangahas are also expected to be included in the lineup.

Meanwhile, Blackwater Sports will conduct tryouts on March 3 to 5 for its title defense in the Foundation Cup, which is expected to serve as the team’s farewell campaign in the developmental league.

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

Top Korean carmaker Kia files letter of intent to put up PBA expansion team

WHILE almost everybody's attention is focused on Blackwater Sports' bid to crash the PBA ranks, another company has been silently working on its own bid to join the pro league.

Spin.ph sources bared that top Korean car maker Kia has already submitted a letter of intent to join Asia's first play-for-pay league, even beating Blackwater to the draw.

One of the top five carmakers in the country, Kia, sources added, tendered its application for an expansion franchise three days ahead of Blackwater, which filed its letter of intent at the PBA office last Friday.

"Mas nauna pang nagpasa ng sulat ang Kia. Sila ang nagpahayag ng interest, and we are very happy to accommodate them," said a league insider who asked not to be named.

Although it has no known basketball roots in the Philippines, the Korean car giant is intent on becoming a part of the PBA, with no less than a top official of its Philippine operations handling the negotiations.

"Top official nila ang nakipag-usap sa PBA. Sa ngayon wala pa akong alam na tao nila na galing sa liga o any basketball figure. Basta they only expressed their willingness to join 'yung liga natin," said the source.

The same source believed Columbia Motors, which holds the distribution rights of Kia cars in the country, is most likely putting its marketing program in line with its parent company which has several sponsorship tie-ups with major sports events in tennis and football.

"Ang Kia kasi sports-minded 'yung approach nila sa marketing ... 'Yung Australian Open lang at yung ibang big-time tennis events, sila ang sponsor. So baka nakiki-ayon na sila sa mother company nila," said the source.

Kia's application for an expansion franchise will be discussed by the board on Thursday, where the application of Dioceldo Sy's Blackwater Sports will also be part of the main agenda.

Should they both be given green light to join, the PBA will have 12 teams starting next season - the biggest membership in the 39-year history of the league.

Meanwhile, another information reaching Spin.ph revealed that NLEX Road Warriors officials are also contemplating on pursuing their bid to join the PBA.

The Manny V. Pangilinan-controlled company was in fact prepared to move up since last year.

"Anytime naman ready na kami. Basta't bigyan kang kami ng go signal ng mga bossing," said a source from NLEX.
"May programa na kami if ever. May mga players na rin."

"Sayang talaga yung mga players namin. Since two years ago nga, PBA ready na kami. Dati nga may (Clifford) Hodge, Calvin Abueva, Ian Sangalang, Gregory Slaughter at Chris Ellis pa kami," added the source.

Despite the departure of Abueva and Co., NLEX still has some of the best players in the D-league, among them Kevin Louie Alas, Garvo Lanete, Jake Pascual, Ronald Pascual, Baser Amer and Matt Ganuelas.

From SPIN.ph