Time to unite

If the two cage bodies succeed in forming just one organization that would be recognized by the FIBA, the Philippines’ suspension from the international area would surely be lifted and allow the country to field a team to the Asian Games in Dona, Qatar, in December.

It is clear this corner is not just the one elated by this development. Since the Philippines was suspended from international competition by the FIBA last year, we haven’t been able to participate in international events.

Reports have it the BAP has finally relented to embrace some of the proposals being espoused by people behind Pilipinas Basketball now headed by Bernie Atienza, athletic director of College of St. Benilde, host of this year’s NCAA season.

Sometimes, personalities get in the way of things, a common occurrence in the Philippine setting. However, it was good that BAP and Pilipinas Basketball officials finally agreed to talk rationally, if I may say so.

I believe that both camps realized the longer they stay away from each other, the longer the Philippines would be "punished."

FIBA secretary-general Patrick Baumann has reportedly confirmed the pact between the two local cage groups which prompted newly-elected FIBA president Bob Elphisnton of Australia to comment that the "Philippines can expect to have their best players at the Asian Games in Doha."

Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella, who was in Tokyo as a member of the delegation that presented its cause to the FIBA Central Board, reportedly played a key role in forging the pact.

While the details of the agreement between the two bodies have not been made public, we can only surmise the proposals that have been presented long ago for a truly nation-wide approach to basketball affairs were finally– most probably–accepted by the BAP.

It was clear the interest of the country above all became the primordial concern of both camps.

We should probably leave out speculations about who is going out and who is coming in. Because the more there is talk about some guys being yanked out in favor of some fellows coming in to "reform" the basketball style of governance, the more the rift widens.