MANILA, Philippines - The request of Smart Gilas to be allowed to play in the PBA second conference as a guest team may find rough sailing in the PBA board. “Off hand, to me, it’s hard. Allowing them to play will disrupt our schedule. It will prolong the season,” said PBA commissioner Chito Salud.
“The second conference and the whole year are designed to cater 10 teams. An addition of an 11th team will result to rescheduling of games and rescheduling of venues,” Salud also said.
“If we add them, we will prolong the season. We may only have a week rest for next season. It’s a pity to our players,” Salud added.
The league commissioner, however, said he didn’t say no.
“It’s not within my purview. I will bring it up to the board,” said Salud.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas made an official request to the PBA Friday, hoping Smart Gilas can use the PBA second conference as training ground for the 2011 Fiba Asia championship.
This year’s Asian joust, set in Wuhan, China, serves as the qualifying tourney for the 2012 Olympics in London.
Salud wrote back Monday, with copies furnished to the PBA governors, stating his personal opinion.
Nelson Beltran, Philippine Star
