From one PBA commissioner to another.

On Thursday, Renauld "Sonny" Barrios was formally named Executive Director of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), marking his return to Philippine basketball six months after stepping down as commissioner of Asia's pioneering pro league.
Sonny Barrios

Barrios took over the position left behind by Noli Eala, himself a former PBA commissioner.

SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan and vice-president Ricky Vargas both made the announcement of Barrios' appointment shortly after personally meeting with him.

"I am humbled and honored by this appointment and the trust and confidence given me by the SBP leadership," said Barrios in a statement.

"I am looking forward to significantly contributing to the achievement of SBP's goals and vision as well as in the propagation of the sport of basketball, one I actively played since grade school and which has played a major role in my corporate life while in the PBA for 21 years, the last three as commissioner," he added.

Barrios worked with the PBA for more than two decades in different roles, assuming the posts of executive director, deputy commissioner, and eventually as commissioner before stepping down last year to attend to family business in the States.

Requiring Barrios' immediate attention is next month’s FIBA Asia Champions Cup which the country is hosting, Smart Gilas' qualifying bid for the 2012 London Olympics, the forthcoming 26th Southeast Asian Games in Palembang, Indonesia, and SBP’s grassroots development program.

Rey Joble, GMA News TV