Based on the performances in the recent tournaments participated by the Philippine national team, it obviously needs some key players to fill in some missing pieces of the puzzle. By the way, RP team finished fourth among seven teams in the 32^nd William Jones Cup in Taipei last July and fourth as well in the FIBA-Asia Stankovic Cup in Beirut last month.

Outgoing Commissioner Sonny Barrios confirmed that SBP has indeed sent the formal request to the PBA last week. It’s just annoying to hear that, according to Barrios, some teams are not supportive to this idea. Disappointing, isn’t it? One reason they cited is its effect on the gate attendance of the PBA games since its schedule runs in conflict with Asian Games.

Looking on a wider perspective, PBA’s contribution to the national team will also benefit the PBA itself. We all agree that the addition of key players Asi Taulava, Kelly Williams and James Yap will definitely improve the RP team’s performance in the Guangzhou Games. The PBA has to accept the reality that one reason for its dwindling attendance is because of its poor showing in the international arena. PBA fans are sick and tired of watching our hardcourt heroes beaten black and blue in the Asian level competitions. A much improved stint by the RP team will surely stir back the interest to take another look at the pro league. Furthermore, once the national players complete their tour of duty, they will all turn to the PBA. Most of them, if not all, will probably join the 2011 and the 2012 PBA Draft. Again, the PBA should look at this on a wider perspective.

Moreover, a decent performance at the Asian Games will encourage our Asian neighbors to watch PBA games on their cable and digital TVs. Look at Fadi El-khatib of Lebanon, he is very much impressed with the quality of basketball here. The PBA must realize that the Asian Games is a vehicle to promote the PBA to the rest of Asia.

I hope the PBA Board grants the request of the SBP on the inclusion of three key players. After all, the PBA is not like North Korea, unless they want it to be.

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Like the three-point competition, the slam dunk contest has become a ‘reunion’ of past champions in the PBA All-star celebrations. Gabe Norwood goes for a title repeat while former champions KG Canaleta and Kelly Williams are out to prove themselves. Other big names joining are high-flyers Rico Maierofer and JC Intal.

PBA Commissioner Sonny Barrios has announced the stiff penalty imposed on Talk N’ Text ballclub for walking out in Game 4 of their quarterfinal series against Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings. Accordingly, Talk N’Text was fined a total of P1 Million for their walk out in the first quarter of the game. PLDT Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan for his part said that he had no regrets for their protest because he believed it was a right decision under those kinds of circumstances.

Veteran Gerry Peñalosa faces Eric Morel of Puerto Rico this Saturday February 13 in the undercard of the Pinoy Power 3 in Las Vegas. Now 37 years old and entering the 21^st year of his pro career, Peñalosa is going for the interim title of the WBO bantam weight. Peñalosa joins 4 other Filipinos in this card to be headlined by 115-division champ Nonito Donaire, Jr.