FILBASKET and the newly formed Pilipinas Super League will be under the microscope in their bids to turn pro.
Games and Amusements Board chairman Baham Mitra said the government regulatory body of professional sports in the country will make sure all pro leagues toe the line.
“Initially, we feel that competition brings better service, but we will listen intently to their presentation,” Mitra told Malaya-Business Insight yesterday. “We will make sure that all leagues under our regulation will be in order.”
Mitra said officials of Filbasket and PSL will formally talk to him this week.
The Filbasket plodded on with its inaugural season last year in Subic despite warnings since it was deemed as a pro league under the jurisdiction of the GAB.
The league founded by former PBA player and Ateneo star Jai Reyes and longtime Sta. Lucia team manager Buddy Encarnado said it got clearance from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force, and the Department of Health based on the latter’s circular for the leagues not under the GAB and the Philippine Sports Commission.
The Office of the President declared Filbasket’s one-month tilt 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.
The Filbasket is eyeing to launch its new season March 15 with a P1 million cash prize for the champion.
With former PBA great Marc Pingris as Commissioner, the PSL is targeting to kick off its maiden conference on March 18.