BY NOLI CORTEZ

EITHER Noli Eala set standards so high in his four-year stint as commissioner of the pro league or there’s really a dearth of talent around.

Instead of coming up with a replacement for the resigned Eala yesterday, the PBA Board designated Sonny Barrios, named as interim commissioner last year, to serve as the league’s seventh commissioner until at least the season’s tournament-ending Fiesta Cup is over.

The board arrived at this decision after failing to pick between lawyer Chito Salud and businessman Lambert Ramos yesterday, a month after failing to come up with a suitable replacement for Eala.

According to PBA Chairman Tony Chua, the governors unanimously decided to name Barrios as the league’s seventh commissioner.

"Without any voting, the Board came out with a unanimous decision to name Barrios as our seventh commissioner," said Chua.

As in their previous meeting last Dec. 17, the board arrived at a 5-4 count, this time favoring Ramos. Malaya learned that Red Bull, which initially voted for Salud last month, cast its lot with Ramos this time.

A candidate needs three quarters of the vote, or six, to become commissioner.

By asking Barrios to stay on, the board expressed the hope the positive gains achieved by the league–live gate attendances and TV viewings are up–early in the league’s 33rd season will be sustained.

"We want to have continuity. He (Barrios) started the season, mas maganda that he ends it," explained PBA vice-chairman Joaqui Trillo of Alaska. "Besides, Sonny already knows the ins and outs of the league."

"We all knew (making Barrios permanent commissioner) is the unifying factor and the best solution at this time," said league treasurer Robert Non of Ginebra.

The decision put Barrios at an awkward position.

While professing he still has the urge to serve the league, the former PBA executive director had previously made it known he is retiring at the end of the season-opening Philippine Cup to attend to a family business in the United States.

"I feel honored the Board considered me again. But I was totally caught by surprise. I asked the Board to give me more time, until Monday. I need to consult my wife and children over the weekend about it," said Barrios.

Chua related the governors again talked of the advantages and disadvantages of each candidate, but still couldn’t get the required two-thirds vote.

A final decision, Chua added, could be had should the PBA go corporate as being mulled. The firm SGV has been tasked to make a feasibility study on the plan.

"If we decided to go on (be a corporation) and if all the governors vote for it, then we’ll have a clear picture on what to do next," he stated.

In the meantime, the question of how to break the stalemate and what to do with Salud and Ramos have been put in the back burner.

"It’s up to them if they are still interested," said Chua.

"Maybe Barrios needs the two," said Non, hinting Salud, who is already Barrios’ consultant, and Ramos can be appointed to positions that will familiarize them more with the league. "That way, they can be exposed more to the PBA."