THERE is an underlying reason why PBA teams, set to see action in the pro league’s second conference, are bringing in imports they are familiar with.
Commissioner Willie Marcial said changing reinforcements would be a tedious process that would be made longer by the COVID pandemic.
“Mas kumplikado na proseso pag nagpalit ka,” said Marcial. “Hindi na kasing dali tulad ng dati.”
Marcial said they have secured 9(A) visas for the imports hired by the ballclubs for the tournament set to start later this month, and some of those reinforcements are expected to arrive this week.
Among the requirements for the imports, most of whom are Americans, are for them to be fully vaccinated. Everybody must strictly follow the quarantine protocols required by the government before they can join their teams.
Rather than taking a gamble on newcomers, most teams have opted to bring in familiar faces for the tournament that features imports standing no taller than 6-foot-6.
Ginebra leads the pack with Justin Brownlee. NLEX has tapped KJ McDaniels, Rain or Shine is bringing in Henry Walker, Magnolia Mike Harris, Phoenix Super LPG Paul Harris, San Miguel Beer Brandon Brown, and Alaska Olu Ashaolu.
Parading newcomers are TNT with McKenzie Moore, TerraFirma has hired Antonio Hester, Blackwater picked up Jaylen Bond, NorthPort will feature Cameron Forte, and Meralco former NBA player Shabazz Muhammad.
Should an import fail to blend in with his team, turn out to be a lemon or gets injured, that would be a big problem for the teams.
“Mahaba na proseso kasi nga, una, hihingi ka ulit ng visa from the (Department of) Foreign Affairs. Dadalhin mo kung saan man consulate ‘yun,” Marcial said, enumerating the process that needs to be done by any team that decides to change an import.
“Then, kapag nakakuha na, mag-qua-quarantine pa pagdating dito. Tapos may mga kailangan pa, tulad ng passport mo, birth certificate, may mga ganoon, sa BID. Kapag ayos na iyon, saka ka bibigyan ng special working permit mula DOLE. So ilang araw o linggo din aabutin mga iyon.”
That simply would not do in a tournament that only has an 11-game elimination and playoffs phases that need to be played every other day.
