Marcial bares writing to KBL, B.League

PBA commissioner Willy Marcial said he has written an official letter to the Korean Basketball League and the Japan B.League, respectively, requesting “some Filipino imports” in these pro loops to be allowed to play for the Philippines as the national team prepares for the 19th Asian Games.

Willie Marcial PBA PHOTO 

Marcial explained that he’s well aware of the dilemma Gilas interim coach Tim Cone is facing, with just two weeks left before the official opening of the 19th Asian Games set in Hangzhou, China on September 23

“We’re just hopeful that’s why I personally wrote a letter to the KBL and B.League, requesting some players to be allowed to play (for Gilas),” Marcial told the Manila Times in Filipino in a conversation on Sunday, September 10.

“But then, there’s really no assurance if they will allow our request since the Asian Games is not a FIBA-sanctioned event,” he added.

While Marcial did not indicate who he requested, Dwight Ramos, Kiefer Ravena, and big men Kai Sotto and AJ Edu were among the usual “suspects” who have contracts in their respective B.League teams.

The four played integral roles in Gilas’ recent 2023 FIBA World Cup stint that ended with a 96-75 win over China over a week ago.

Rhenz Abando, meanwhile is heading to his second season with KBL champion Anyang KGC. Though there were reports that the former Letran star has yet to join his Korean team.

Cone though is expected to start Gilas’ first practice this Monday evening, and will more likely have his own set of players to start training with, given the tight schedule.

Expected to show up in Monday’s practice are naturalized player Justin Brownlee, June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar and Scottie Thompson.