THE song goes, “Exodus… movement for Jah people.”
That’s from the song, “Exodus,” from Bob Marley and the Wailers’ most excellent album of the same name that was released on June 3, 1977.
However, I am not writing about that famous reggae album or its equally famous but long departed vocalist.
When we broke the news that former Ateneo Blue Eagle and current national player William Navarro was headed for the Korean Basketball League, the song popped into my head.
It isn’t a movement per se, but that’s a lot moving abroad and I am happy for them.
This is not a shot at anyone or even the country’s professional league. They know what is wrong and what needs to be done to make it return to the position as the country’s premier sporting spectacle.
So take it for what it is… I think this will only improve the game of local basketball.
The National Basketball Association (NBA), of which the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is patterned after, has opened their game to foreigners. You cannot say that they are highly advanced. Well, the local league is close to 50 years old so if you say that it is in its infancy then we are terribly backwards.
Now, there are options for players. They no longer need to play for one league but multiple ones. Aside from the PBA, you have the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, the VisMin Cup, and they can play their trade in Japan, Taiwan, Korea, or even the old Asean Basketball League or ABL (when it gets up and running again).
Because there are so few teams in the PBA, the options are fewer. Furthermore, the turnover is really quick. What is the average career of a player—five years? They draft you (if you are selected to begin with), play you or bench you then release you.
Furthermore, you have overstaying players who occupy roster spots at the expense of others.
When the ABL allowed Filipinos to play as imports, that was a sign that our neighbors respect the Filipino basketball player. And now, even more leagues at home and abroad have opened their doors.
The entire world is opening up in many aspects. Sports included. Philippine sports is like Japan before the Americans forced her to open her ports.
Very backward in thinking. And yet, when Filipinos go abroad, it is deemed all right.
Kinda selfish don’t you think? You can’t have your cake and eat it too.
I wish William Navarro all the luck. Not all the money can make your career. If you don’t cut it over there… then what is next?
I wish all those plying their trade abroad the same because it isn’t just about hoops but adapting to a new culture, language, climate, time zone and style of playing. It isn’t easy and that is an understatement.
Change and opportunity.
It’s a movement for Jah people.
Welcome to the world of international hoops.