JOLTED back to its senses, Filbasket is now setting its sights on turning pro.
Commissioner Jai Reyes said they began communicating with the Games and Amusements Board led by chairman Baham Mitra last month on their bid to turn pro after the Office of the President declared the amateur league’s maiden tournament as “unlawful.”
“We have already notified the GAB through email last December 7, 2021, of our withdrawal of appeal and our intent to turn pro for our next tournament,” Reyes said in a statement.
“We look forward to working with the GAB in our future tournaments as they can help Filbasket grow further as a professional league,” he added.
The GAB deemed the new league’s one-month tilt last November in Subic as professional in nature.
The Office of the President declared it as unlawful, calling it a violation of Presidential Decree 871 or the law placing pro basketball under the supervision of the GAB.
The GAB also issued a cease-and-desist order on Filbasket.
AICC Manila bagged the title against San Juan-Go for Gold in their finals duel that went the distance, with heady playmaker Hessed Gabo being named finals MVP.
The tourney drew 11 teams.
“Filbasket’s previous defiance was ill-advised as the rules on this matter are already well-established,” Mitra said.
“The GAB’s advice to organizers is to comply with the law and GAB will always be there to assist in any way it can within the bounds of its mandate.”
