Uytengsu's challenge to PBA

Integrity is something that Alaska will never compromise in operating its PBA franchise. Winning at the expense of integrity is anathema to Alaska team owner Fred Uytengsu.

“I would rather lose with honor than win with shame,” said Uytengsu in a speech before the PBA Press Corps at the annual awards night last week. “I can look anyone in the eye and say that from Day One, the Alaska franchise has played by the rules and never attempted to circumvent the system for self-benefit.”

The consensus is that the PBA lost public confidence when Fil-Shams like Sonny Alvarado, Al Segova and Rob Parker were exposed, leaving the league under a cloud of suspicion that more poseurs could still be playing. The wanton use of “conduits” to legitimize trades between or among affiliated franchises has also left a bad taste in the mouth, creating the impression of teams carpet-bagging to make a mockery of an “arm’s-length” rule that’s easily sidestepped.

If the PBA hopes to generate more fan following and increase TV ratings, it must be credible as a competitive league. Newly-designated PBA commissioner Chito Salud realizes that regaining public trust is imperative. Fans don’t want to be fooled. If the perception is they’re being taken for a ride, there will be repulsion and apathy.

Fans must be reassured that even as there are PBA teams with common owners, collusion in determining the outcome of a game between so-called “sister” franchises is out of the question. They must be reassured that trades involving “sister” teams are above board and may be defended or justified at Plaza Miranda.

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In a perfect world, it would be ideal for the PBA to operate with teams owned separately and independently of each other. But in the course of doing business, it has happened that certain interest groups became common owners of teams not necessarily by design, meaning not with the primary intent of taking over a basketball franchise. Not too many corporations are willing to spend at least P80 million a year with owners touched by the passion of maintaining a PBA team. And since the PBA needs at least 10 teams to be viable, the league has evolved to include teams with common interests.

As commissioner, Salud has the daunting task of guaranteeing that the PBA’s integrity is never put to doubt when “sister” teams play each other on the court or negotiate trades. If Salud has the confidence of the PBA Board of Governors to act only in the league’s best interests, he should be given the free hand to ensure the fairness of every trade – without the need of a conduit. Whether you admit it or not, the conduit system is a source of distrust and suspicion.

Uytengsu said the PBA must set the right example. “If the oldest professional basketball league in Asia deserves to have the respect of a broader audience, then it must toe the line,” he said. “Rules cannot be bent and one cannot simply ‘look the other way’ when dubious trades are made. A lot of the burden falls on our new commissioner but it also incumbent on all teams, and the Governors who represent the teams, to reflect on what is right.”

Salud took a major step in exercising his prerogative when he altered the terms of the recent Asi Taulava trade involving Powerade, Meralco and Barako Bull. Under the original terms, Powerade would’ve ended up with only Rob Reyes and a seemingly unrealistic 2013 second round pick. To even up matters, Salud cancelled the 2013 option, instead adding second round picks in 2011 and 2012. Ken Bono and Jason Misolas went to Barako in the process.

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At the PBA season opening last Sunday, Salud addressed the crowd of over 14,000 and vowed to deliver a league that is fair, exciting and beyond reproach to the fans.

Salud’s father Rudy, a former commissioner, watched proudly at courtside.

“I was a little nervous and I had a lump in my throat as Chito spoke,” said the elder Salud. “Previous commissioners gave motherhood statements in their welcome remarks but Chito took the bull by the horns. It’s a tall order and a bit dangerous. He didn’t skirt the hard issues. He talked about going against dubious trades and teams not adhering to the salary cap. He meant it. You can’t go wrong if as Chito told me, he has no agenda in life other than to enhance the league and serve the public.”

The older Salud said his son spoke from the heart.

“I thought the Board of Governors and the patrons at courtside listened intently, clinging to his every word,” he continued. “They were Chito’s primary audience and for sure, the word will get to the top. Those in the other sections of the coliseum may not have heard everything he said but media will take care of sending his message.”

No doubt, the PBA is off to a flying start in its 36th season.