THE TWO SIDES OF THE PBA BANNING THE EAST ASIAN-BOUND PLAYERS

I’ve grown tired—no, exhausted—by the fan outrage every time a PBA player decides to leave for an international league. Let’s cut the noise: players leave for two simple reasons—money and opportunity. And honestly, if a player sees both in front of him, why should anyone stop him?

This isn’t a uniquely Filipino problem. Just look at Europe. How many EuroLeague teams have lost their top dogs because their stars either entered the NBA Draft or signed massive free-agent deals overseas? And still, the EuroLeague thrives. National teams adjust. Fans understand. Why can’t we?

Let’s also stop pretending the PBA is a legitimate springboard to the NBA. Yes, we’ve seen some imports make it to The Show, but for a local player to reach that level, three things need to change:

1. Filipino players must have the physical profile (size and athleticism).

2. They must turn pro earlier (like 18, not 24).

3. The PBA must relax its rules on foreign inclusion and development.

   
   

Until then, dreaming that the PBA can consistently churn out NBA-level talent is just that—a dream.

And let’s talk about Asian imports. People forget that the PBA once allowed them. But outside of Michael Madanly, none made real noise. We’re not even talking about scrubs here. Mohammad Jamshidi was relegated to Meralco’s bench. Lee Gwan Hee? Kim Ji Wan? Seiya Ando? All decent role players, but never game-changers. Even Sanchir Tungalag and Mahmoud Abdeen warmed the bench. Some teams, like Magnolia and Alaska, didn’t even bother fielding their Asian imports.

So let’s flip the narrative. It’s not that we need them—it’s that they might actually need us.

Still, maybe it’s time to revisit the Asian import rule. Let’s face it: at least four teams in the league are perpetually outmatched by the SMC and MVP juggernauts. Asian reinforcements might just help level the playing field and bring variety to the league’s rhythm.

But instead of embracing possibilities, the PBA office is now entertaining bans for players who have left. Come on. Arvin Tolentino, Will Navarro, and Jamie Malonzo—none of them would have left if they truly had the financial and developmental opportunity within the PBA, even with SMC or MVP money.

These guys didn’t leave out of disloyalty.

They left to survive and thrive.

The harsh truth is this: the PBA peaks between the ages of 30 to 35, which is way too late in today’s global basketball economy. That’s why the best young guns—guys like Yang Hansen (20 years old)—are heading abroad. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is only 27 and already an MVP candidate. Meanwhile, DJ Fenner and Jason Brickman, two projected PBA top picks, are pushing 32 and 34.

The disconnect is staggering.

So instead of gatekeeping, why not position the PBA as a legitimate gateway?

A launchpad.

Not the end goal.

Besides, clubs still hold rights. Yang’s rights belong to Qingdao. Yao Ming’s rights stayed with the Shanghai Sharks. Wang Zhizhi took a bolder route, moving to the NBA even without his team’s blessing—he never quite found his fit, but the point remains: these leagues found ways to let talent grow without slamming the door shut behind them.

If the PBA wants to set an example, it must also be consistent. Dave Ildefonso and Encho Serrano turned down contracts to play in the MPBL—again, for money and opportunity.

Are they villains now, too?

This old-guard mentality is exactly what’s holding the league back.

Play weekday games in the provinces where fans are starving for action. Loosen rules on Asian reinforcements. Let collegiate standouts declare early and join the PBA sooner. If we do all this, maybe—just maybe—scouts will take notice. Maybe we’ll see Filipinos in the NBA, not just the B.League, KBL, or Taiwan.

And please, don’t get me started on this year’s PBA Draft. It was already shallow before Quentin Millora-Brown and Rhenz Abando were even rumored to join. Now it’s just a scramble.

I’m not saying the PBA is a “Poor Man’s Basketball Association”—but when the league starts punishing ambition, that’s when the label starts to stick.

So here’s the truth, plain and simple: let the players go chase their dreams. And instead of burning the bridge behind them, why not build a bigger one?