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Thursday, August 11, 2005
Eala upbeat as new PBA season approaches
After a controversy-filled season, PBA commissioner Noli Eala has lots of optimism into the 2005-2006 season.
Appearing before the PSA Forum at the main function room of the Pantalan Restaurant in Manila Tuesday, the amiable commissioner said the league is more than ready to move on following a rather turbulent period.
Eala said the PBA would now like to welcome the 2005-06 season on a high note beginning with the annual Rookie Draft on Sunday at the Sta. Lucia East Mall.
Best and worst
“Last year was a very challenging season for us. We had the best of time and the worst of time, so to speak,” said Eala. “But I’m very positive about the future. We’re striving very hard to improve the operational side of the PBA.”
Among the things keeping Eala in high spirits are the recent renewing of the TV contract between the league and coveror ABC-5, a rejuvenated marketing scheme, two possible overseas games and more quality provincial matches.
“Instead of just saying that the coming tournament is the Fiesta Conference, I would rather term it as the `Super Fiesta Conference,” said the PBA chief.
What could be a busy PBA season informally begins on the morning of Friday when the league holds a dispersal draft involving players from the defunct Formula Shell team and those involved in the trades that preceded the ball club’s leave of absence.
Two days later, the remaining 49 rookie aspirants take center stage with the holding of the annual Draft, which for the first time has been shortened to just two rounds.
Draft pool
“We’re excited about the coming draft. We have a very good pool contrary to what had been earlier reported,” said the league commissioner. “There were a lot of revelations during the two-day Rookie Camp conducted by coaches Norman Black and Chot Reyes. Guys like Alex Cabagnot, Michael Holper and Dondon Villamin were among the revelations.”
Meanwhile, on the reported vote of confidence supposedly planned against him by some members of the Board, Eala said the matter was not even included in the agenda the last time he met with the league’s top brass. (PBA Media Bureau)
(August 11, 2005 issue)
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