It may be beneficial for the PBA to exhibit grace and magnanimity in lieu of restrictiveness and possessiveness in these matters. (Understandably, Kiefer’s case is more difficult since he did sign on the dotted line, and it is a legal matter. The coming days will show if there is any possible compromise.) If the desire to help the players succeed appears paramount, then the league could also become a conduit for international play, not just a final destination. This would expand its relations with foreign leagues and perhaps create a network, an exchange of ideas, and allow the flow of talent from and back to the league. (As a side note, the Metropolitan Basketball Association once charged “developmental fees” when a PBA team fancied one of its players.) Imports have sharpened their skills and learned from the physical nature of Philippine pro basketball, became better players, and found opportunities in the NBA and other leagues abroad. Filipino players can do that, too. In fact, Filipinos have played as imports in places like Indonesia and Hong Kong for years, and as regular players in ASEAN and other places. In sports like football, rugby, volleyball and most recently women’s basketball, Filipinos play at very high standards in Asia, Europe and Australia.
In the 1960’s, the National Basketball Association had a rule that a player could only be drafted four years after graduating from high school. Coveted but underaged Spencer Haywood (later a five-time NBA All-Star and champion with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1980) was being recruited into the rival American Basketball Association as well as the Seattle Supersonics. The NBA tried to interfere. Haywood went to court, arguing that it was the only way he could support his family. In 1971, the US Supreme Court agreed with him, and he was allowed to play professionally.
The resulting Hardship Rule was basically a blow against restraint of trade, which prevents an individual from earning a living as he or she sees fit, or according to one’s needs. The PBA, to its credit, is re-examining its rules from previous eras to see if they, too, are unfairly limiting. And that’s a good thing.
PBA Commissioner Rudy Salud once believed that Filipino pros should play for Filipinos only. Then the BAP asked for the league’s help when open basketball became a reality. The 1990 Asian Games showed that China, not the Philippines, was the powerhouse in Asia. Isolationism was seen as the cause, not the effect, as competing internationally was something players no longer prioritized as much as earning regular wages in the PBA. But the Northern Cement team of the 1980’s showed how letting players mature by playing internationally could benefit the league long-term. Those players became enduring contributors to the league’s success. The delayed gratification was worth it.
The PBA now has a grand opportunity to show its understanding of how international exposure helps players get better. It’s not forever. They will come back and add value to the league. If the PBA magnanimously releases them to what will benefit them long-term, then welcomes them home afterwards, it will have stronger, more versatile, more valuable, more appealing players just by showing patience and generosity. And there will be an abundance of good will and appreciation all around. Everybody wins.