ENGAGE.
That's PBA commissioner Willie Marcial's marching order from the league board of governors regarding possible tie-up with the Korean Basketball League.
"Gusto nila ng cooperation, strengthening relations and friendship. Gusto nila magusap ang PBA at KBL kung ano ang pwedeng gawin," said Marcial on a recent communication with the Korean league well received by the PBA.
"Ang sabi ng board okay yan. (Let's) engage," said Marcial, looking forward to forging partnership and cooperation that would be beneficial to both leagues.
KBL commissioner Kim Hee-Ok, in a letter to the PBA, expressed a desire for a player exchange program with the PBA.
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And both leagues are open to explore ideas on a dialogue.
"We have been trying to discuss several ideas that would be of interest for both of our leagues since last year but have yet to achieve any foothold due to the COVID19 situation," wrote Kim. "I do hope the situation gets better soon so that we may strengthen the cooperation and friendship between both of our leagues. I also hope that our leagues exchanging players goes smoothly so that it may contribute to the development of Asian basketball."
Marcial thanked his KBL counterpart for reaching out and expressed the PBA's interest on a possible partnership.
"The PBA is very much willing to commence talks with the KBL. You are correct in saying that it would strengthen the cooperation and friendship of both our leagues and our countries through the development of Asian basketball. We can begin by having our officers and groups meet online to explore some possibilities. We can set an online meeting that would work both ways," said Marcial in his reply.
Marcial also expressed his wish for KBL's continued success. (SB)
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