Why Choosing a Younger Commissioner Would Benefit the PBA?

Rebo Saguisag and Charlie Chua among candidates to replace Narvasa

Two young lawyers are among the top candidates to replace Chito Narvasa (Photo by the PBA Media Bureau)

When Chito Narvasa submitted his resignation just a few hours before the opening ceremony of the PBA's 43rd season, the PBA Board immediately submitted a resolution, extending Narvasa's term until the end of the year. This is to allow Narvasa to assist in the transition. In the meantime, the league has assigned Willie Marcial to be the caretaker of the league for one month until such time when the league already has a new commissioner. And, Mr. Marcial has already indicated in numerous press releases that he only intends to serve as a temporary caretaker just to also assist in the panel that will select the new commissioner.

Now that the selection process has already begun, several names from the basketball community have already popped out in the list of possible candidates to replace Narvasa. Among the personalities that were early on are Andy Jao, Tommy Manotoc and, Ricky Palou. While the three personalities are highly-respected individuals in basketball with Andy Jao once serving as the commissioner of the UAAP, the league is apparently looking for someone who is younger who can bring newer and fresher ideas into the league.

Apparently, also included in the list of candidates as the new PBA commissioners are Rebo Saguisag and Charlie Chua. To those who are not familiar, Attorney Rebo Saguisag recently served as the UAAP commissioner for basketball during the Season 80 while Charlie Chua, another young lawyer, is known as one of the PBA commentators for Sports 5.

Why should the league choose a younger commissioner?  

Assuming that the selection panel appoints either Saguisag or Chua, it will benefit the league and in effect, the fans. A young commissioner will allow newer and fresher ideas to enter the PBA and since the PBA is on an on-going crisis due to the recently-ended standoff that started right after Narvasa approved the controversial trade that sent Christian Standhardinger to the San Miguel Beermen in exchange for bench players. 

In addition to this, having either Saguisa or Chua as commissioner will allow the PBA to have a fresher mind. While the league still needs someone like Andy Jao who already has a vast amount of experience in terms of covering the PBA, both Saguisag and Chua are also experienced in the sports, having worked with various leagues and it should allow either one of them to bring something new into the table. 

Conclusion

One thing is certain: regardless of who the selection panel will appoint as the new commissioner, that someone will have a big pair of shoes to fill and a bigger amount of trust to regain. Why? 

The recent controversies have strained the relationship between the PBA and the fans. A good choice for a new commissioner will be a big step towards regaining the love and trust of the basketball-loving Filipino fans.