PBL out of cage pact

Unable to get any firm word from the Basketball Association of the Philippines, the Philippine Basketball League has withdrawn its commitment to release its players for the national team to two major international tourneys this year, PBL Commissioner Chino Trinidad said yesterday.

"Malabo na talaga. We have not heard anything from the BAP and we have our own concerns to think of," Trinidad said at the PSA forum at the Holiday Inn Manila.

"We are now groping in the dark. Parang kaming mga naghawak-hawak ng kamay pagkatapos pinatayan ng ilaw," said Trinidad, referring to the initiative by the Philippine Olympic Committee to unite all concerned basketball parties to form a competitive RP squad for overseas meets.

"In fairness to Commissioner Trinidad, the only man who can answer this problem is BAP president Freddie Jalasco. But we have not heard from him since," said PBA Commissioner Jun Bernardino, also a forum guest, who was among those involved in national team talks.

Trinidad said as part of the agreement with the BAP, the PBL had committed to form the nucleus of the national team to the Southeast Asian Basketball Association Cup, where the Filipinos are the defending champs, and the Asian Basketball Confederation Champions Cup in Lebanon in June.

Trinidad added two-time PBL champion Welcoat had already agreed to represent the country in the two tournaments.