PARIS – It’s now the sixth year of PBA chairman Ricky Vargas’ term and as the longest-serving head of the pro league, he said the secret of its longevity under his watch is galvanizing unity by never dividing the house. “I never call for a vote on an issue,” said Vargas who admitted several hotly-debated matters have been taken up at the Board of Governors level through the years. “If you call for a vote, it means you divide the house and you know who are against and who are for. I think it’s divisive. When we arrive at a decision, it’s by consensus. That’s how we’ve been able to be united and move forward.”
Vargas came on board as chairman in 2017, the same year Willie Marcial was appointed commissioner. Together, they’ve propelled the PBA to unprecedented heights. During the PBA planning meeting here, Vargas revealed a new record for net revenues (see related story). Going overseas for the annual planning session where a review of the previous year is also discussed has been a tradition since 2007. There have been trips to Macau, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Sydney, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and before this year, Milan in 2020 just before the pandemic broke out.
The PBA delegation arrived here Thursday morning. The PBA Board met for a whole-day session the next day. Vargas said among the items on the agenda were the financial report, performance review by TV5 and CignalTV, draft rules, new season schedule, return of EASL franchise Bay Area to the Commissioner’s Cup and PBA’s participation in the inaugural EASL home-and-away season. Vargas said he will personally resolve the vacancy of the Converge governor’s position by consulting with team owner Dennis Uy.
Vargas said the meeting was participative with every member of the Board actively contributing to the discussions. Magnolia governor Rene Pardo begged off from the trip on doctor’s orders. Vargas called vice chairman Bobby Rosales the “thinker” of the Board and Barangay Ginebra governor Alfrancis Chua the “muscle man” who always delivers under pressure. Meralco governor Atty. Billy Pamintuan joined the Board in his first overseas planning meeting.
Regarding the coming FIBA World Cup, Vargas said a Gilas win will equal the 2014 record and two wins will be the most for the country since finishing 13th with a 2-3 mark in 1974. He noted that two wins will advance the Philippines to the second round. If the Philippines winds up as the highest finishing Asian entry, it will automatically earn a ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics. Vargas said he’ll suggest for SBP to request FIBA for an exception to recognize Justin Brownlee as a local considering his residence in the country since 2016. The exception has been given by FIBA to Greg Slaughter and Chris Newsome. If Brownlee is classified a local, he’ll be able to play alongside naturalized player Jordan Clarkson for Gilas in the FIBA World Cup. “Let’s request FIBA since there are precedents and we’re hosting the World Cup,” said Vargas. “Nothing to lose.” If Brownlee is recognized by FIBA, it spares Gilas from choosing between Clarkson and Ginebra’s resident import as Gilas’ naturalized player. Vargas said from now until the World Cup, Gilas must focus on how to beat Italy, Dominican Republic and Angola in the first round, harnessing every resource to scout, train and get ready for battle.