ANTIPOLO - The PBA is close to finalizing the entry of Hong Kong Eastern as guest team in the Commissioner's Cup which features anew a one import format.
Commissioner Willie Marcial made the announcement on Sunday prior to the start of the deciding Game 5 between San Miguel and Converge in the Governors Cup quarterfinals.
Teams are allowed to field in imports of unlimited height including Hong Kong Eastern, pending its formal entry as the 13th team of the conference.
"Imports natin for the Commissioner's Cup isa lang with unlimited height. Pinag-usapan din namin sa Hong Kong Eastern yun. And pumayag din sila doon," said Marcial.
The commissioner added the league and the Hong Kong-based ballclub already agreed in principle about the team's coming participation in the mid-season conference which comes off the wraps on Nov. 27.
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"Kontrata na lang. Pero in principle ok na kami nung team owner (chairman Frankie Yau). Kausap ko siya nung isang araw nasa Europe siya. Gagawa na lang ng kontrata," said Marcial.
Hong Kong Eastern is expected to bring along a number of imports since it also sees action in the East Asia Super League, where teams are allowed to play two imports at a time.
But HK Eastern will only be permitted to field in one import in the PBA, according to Marcial.
"Puwede silang magpalit (ng import) pero according sa regulations natin," added the commissioner.
By that Marcial meant the original import can be replaced, but had to be relegated in the injury/reserved list in order to be eligible to return if ever his team decides so.
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But the replacement import could no longer return once he's been supplanted by the original reinforcement,
Part of the contract being eyed by HK Eastern is a two-year stint in Asia's first ever professional league.
Marcial though, said both parties will have to sit down again after the conference and discuss the matter.
"Sabi ko tingnan natin after this season, mag-usap kami ulit," Marcial said, adding the team won't be having home games in Hong Kong this season, and will play its entire schedule instead, in the Philippines.(RG)
