This season, the PBA is back to its usual 3-conference format. We start with the centerpiece
Philippine Cup. The next two conferences will be import-laden, with teams having imports of the same
height in the second conference and in the third conference, a handicapping system will be in place. The Board of Governors has approved a height limit of 6 feet and 4 inches for imports playing in
the second conference.
In the season-ending conference, teams will be ranked according to their finish in the Philippine
Cup (60% weight) and their standing after the elimination round of the second conference (40%
weight). The top four teams based on the two criteria will be allowed one import each standing no
taller than 6-2. The next four teams can sign up an import no taller than 6-4, and the two
lowest-ranked teams can fly in an import up to 6-6 in height.
This should give the games in the next two conferences a new complexion. There should be more
available good talents at that height since most of the teams in leagues all over the globe sign
taller players, frontliners who could clog the middle and bang bodies with the other big men.
With more available good talents to sign, the more chances of our teams getting top-caliber
players. Remember guys like Billy Ray Bates, Donnie Ray Koonce, Rob Williiams? These guys played
when the limit was pegged at 6-3 and 6-4. What the PBA will get are the players who can score, and
players who are quick, great ballhandlers and very exciting to watch.
There will definitely be more motion on the floor and the players’ natural talents and abilities
should come to the fore.
By now we should have answered a lot of questions about the imports this season. We don’t know
why, but we received numerous queries on import height limits the past week from several quarters
and from all over. Are there that many import agents around?
Oops, before we forget, we’ve also been asked about the way imports are measured. Some people
feel they saw one or two imports who may be over the 6-6 limit the past season.
Imports are measured lying down straight and flat, with the feet, knees, shoulder blades and head
touching the measuring board. However, the Office of the Commissioner will now allow team
representatives present, who used to be only observers before, to request for a remeasurement if
they feel the import was not measured correctly. Only one remeasurement will be permitted per import
and if remeasured, the second measurement will be the import’s official height.
Also, all imports – even those who have been measured before – will have to be measured before
they can play in any import-laden conference.
