Despite the challenging times, PBA teams made sure to remain committed to their players and personnel as far as duties and obligations are concerned.
The all-out support of the 12 ballclubs eventually led to the successful staging of the Philippine Cup bubble in Clark, Pampanga that aborted disaster with the possible cancellation of the league’s 45th season.
For their financial sacrifices and deep love for the game, the PBA Press Corps will be honoring all member teams of Asia’s pioneering pro league with the President’s Award in its virtual Awards Night set on March 7 at the TV5 Media Center.
The ‘Heroic 12’ is composed of Barangay Ginebra, TnT Tropang Giga, Meralco, Phoenix, San Miguel, Alaska, Magnolia, Rain or Shine, NLEX, Blackwater, NorthPort, and Terrafirma.
Together, they will share the limelight with Bulakan, Bulacan Mayor and 1995 MVP Vergel Meneses, the 2019 Presidential awardee of the group that covers the PBA beat.
The hour-long program presented by Cignal TV, will be hosted by Rizza Diaz and Carlo Pamintuan. It will be shown on PBA Rush on March 8.
Two major awards will be announced, namely Outstanding Coach of the Bubble and Mr. Executive, leading to the awards rite.
Rookie Draft ‘very special’— Black
Meralco coach Norman Black said the talent pool in this year’s PBA Rookie Draft could be an exceptional one if some of the Fil-foreigners can submit necessary requirements before Friday’s deadline.
“It can be very special, I believe,” Black said in an interview with One Sports’ The Game. “But my only concern is how many of the (Fil-foreigners) will be able to complete their papers by the deadline. That will really determine the strength of this draft.”
About 17 players have until Friday to submit a certification from the Bureau of Immigration and an affirmation from the Department of Justice, or otherwise be removed from the list of applicants in the annual proceedings.
Some of the Fil-foreigners who have yet to secure the said documents are projected to be among the first rounders, namely Jason Brickman and Taylor Statham.
Brickman is considered as the best point guard in the draft while Statham could cause some intrigue among teams with his all-around game at 6-foot-6.
Other players who are scrambling to get the papers done are guard Jeremiah Gray and big man Brandon Rosser.
“If a lot of them can’t complete their papers, and of course the draft won’t be as strong as if they could,” said Black. “So we just have to wait and see for the deadline, and see how many are able to get their papers in, and that will determine exactly how strong this draft will be.” (Jonas Terrado)
Fil-Kiwi swimmer shines in Australia meet
Swimmer Luke Gebbie boosted his preparations for the Tokyo Games qualifiers after bagging one gold, two silver and one bronze medal in the recent Victoria Open LC Swimming Championships in Australia.
The 2019 Southeast Asian Games medalist ruled the men’s 100-meter butterfly with 55.83 seconds ahead of Hamish Mcdougall (56.03sec) and Luka Zubcic (56.54).
The 24-year-old Fil-Kiwi, however, settled for second in the 50m fly by clocking 25.27sec behind winner Jack Gerrard (25.24), and in the 50m freestyle with 23.39sec behind gold medalist Andrew Lauterstein (22.77sec).
He finished third in the 100m free with 51.27sec behind Benno Negri (50.52sec) and Gerrard (50.95sec).
Gebbie is one of the four PH swimmers who have good chances of making into the 2021 Tokyo Olympics after hitting the Olympic Selection Time (OST) with his national record-breaking performance in the 50m and 100m free at the 2019 SEAG that the country hosted. (Kristel Satumbaga)