IN HIS first day as executive director of Samahang Basketbol Ng Pilipinas, former Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner Sonny Barrios said his focus is on two things—grassroots development and strengthening media relations. “This is a new challenge for me, a different kind of challenge at that, but something that I welcome having been asked to once again help Philippine basketball. It was Ricky Vargas who arranged things with MVP (Manny V. Pangilinan) and one important thing for me in a job will always be the kind of people I will be working with. In the case of MVP and Ricky, I am comfortable with them. Otherwise, I would be having second thoughts about accepting this job,” said Barrios.
The 63-year-old Barrios said he chose SBP over the prospect of helping run the family business, a home care center in Sacramento, California, and Sports Vision, a local company here involved with the Shakey’s V-League.
Barrios said he has no plan of bringing his own people to SBP, at least not until he has reviewed the organization, the people under him, and their respective responsibilities.
“I believe I have the right temperament for the job I just need to learn quickly, more so that we cannot go beyond 2012, I understand there will be an election at SBP and we really do not know what can happen, this was made clear to me by Ricky Vargas when we first met. One of the first things that need attention though will be our hosting of the FIBA-Asia club championship next month. I also need to maybe go around the different regions to evaluate the present SBP grassroots program in place. I need to meet a lot of people and get inputs. I have talked to Atty. Chito Salud already, same with Moying Martelino and Ricky Palou and they gave me very good inputs, “ added Barrios.
Lito Cinco, Manila Standard Today
