NBL Australia-PBA basketball partnership in the works

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The National Basketball League (NBL) of Australia and the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) are set to bring a new hoop dimension as collaboration plans are already on the way.

It was PBA commissioner Willie Marcial who confirmed that they already met with NBL-Australia representatives regarding a partnership the same with the East Asia Super League (EASL).

According to Marcial, a potential exhibition game between the All-Star selection of the NBL and the PBA was one of their primary topics during their meeting.

Aside from the exhibition game between the NBL and the PBA, a series of coaches and referees’ clinics will also be conducted.

Further details regarding their meeting weren’t shared yet but the ultimate plan of Australia forging a partnership with the country’s premier league will finally become a reality.

The NBL began its Filipino connection after NBA aspirant and current Gilas Pilipinas superstar center Kai Sotto took his talents to Australia.

Sotto was tapped by NBL team Adelaide 36ers and is currently rendering his services to the team and is still under contract after signing a fresh deal several months ago.

The seven-foot-three leftie also flew with Adelaide during the preseason and played against the Phoenix Suns where his team upset Chris Paul and Devin Booker, 134-124.

Aside from Sotto, Brian Goorjian, the current head coach of PBA’s foreign guest team Bay Area Dragons, also came from the NBL and is their most successful coach after winning six titles during his time.

“We had a meeting and they want a partnership with the PBA. League to league. This is a huge honor for the PBA. All basketball leagues in Asia and in the whole world are going global,” said Marcial.