Philippine Sports News and Updates

MANILA, Philippines - The PBA yesterday said it has reduced the minimum number of games required for Fil-foreign players aspiring to join the coming PBA Annual Draft.

The new policy, approved by the league’s Board of Governors and which will take effect this year, allows Filipino players with foreign lineage to apply for the draft if they have played at least 15 games, including exhibition and tune-up matches, in any of the PBA’s accredited leagues.

The previous minimum required for a (Fil-foreign) rookie applicant is 25 games.

In the wake of the recent development, PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios said that Fil-foreign players have three more weeks to submit their applications and requirements for the 2009 Draft.

“Considering the tight schedule we are facing with, we have set a June 22 deadline for these players to comply with all the requirements they need to be eligible for the Draft,” Barrios said.

This year’s Draft will be held at the Market! Market! Place in Taguig on Aug. 2.

Among the pertinent documents that has to be submitted by Fil-foreign applicants are certificate of recognition from the Bureau of Immigration, affirmation from the Department of Justice, authenticated birth certificate of Filipino parent, marriage certificate of parents and duly notarized affidavits of three persons residing in the country who could attest to his claim of citizenship.

Barrios said the league will issue the preliminary list of prospective Fil-foreign draftees for submission to all member teams on June 23.

The contestability period regarding the eligibility of foreign-bred players will be from June 24 to July 23.

Among the prospective Fil-foreign players in this year’s Draft include PBL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Chris Ross, Josh Urbiztondo and Chris Timberblake.

He added that local born applicants have until July 24 to hand over their application papers.

• Philstar
• Philippine Sports Central