FILIPINO talents have been the rave overseas and it doesn't look like the exodus is stopping anytime soon.
At the conclusion of the collegiate basketball leagues in the country, all eyes are now on the transfer market as international teams have been relentless in luring young prospects abroad.
So far, collegiate stars like Carl Tamayo, Nic Cabañero, Jerom Lastimosa, and Terrence Fortea are the players attracting interest from overseas clubs even if they have playing years remaining in their collegiate careers.
Next Pinoys to play overseas
Lastimosa still has one season left in his eligibility for Adamson, while University of the Philippines' Tamayo and Fortea, and University of Santo Tomas' Cabanero just wrapped up their sophomore seasons in the UAAP.
Also among those in deep talks with these clubs is Justine Baltazar, who just secured his release from Japan B.League club Hiroshima Dragonflies after being sparingly used in 13 games.
Korea has so far been the destination of choice for some, with Dave Ildefonso the latest player to agree to a deal with Suwon KT SonicBoom in the Land of Morning Calm.
He hikes the number of Pinoy players in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) to six as he joined RJ Abarrientos (Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus), Rhenz Abando (Anyang KGC), SJ Belangel (Daegu KOGAS Pegasus), Justin Gutang (Changwon LG Sakers), and Ethan Alvano (Wonju DB Promy).
The Goyang Carrot Jumpers have already enlisted Japanese guard Moriguchi Hisashi as its Asian player quota, leaving three more clubs still without these Asian imports.
The Seoul Samsung Thunders are one of the biggest proponents for the Asian players quota initiative in the KBL but so far, has not had success in their search, first with William Navarro's contract situation and recently with Fil-Am big man Christian David hampered by knee issues.
"We are trying to recruit a Filipino player after some internal discussion but there are financial moves we must make in the coming month as we have the highest league salary total," said coach Eun Hee Seok.
Jeonju KCC Egis, meanwhile, has also expressed interest in Lastimosa but those negotiations have seemingly hit a stalemate.
Japan remains an option for those raring to try their luck abroad, with Tamayo and Cabanero also attracting offers from the Land of the Rising Sun.
There's a strong Filipino contingent in the B.Legue with 10 players: five in the first division; four in the second; and one in the third tier.
Bobby Ray Parks of the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins and Thirdy Ravena of San-En NeoPhoenix have seen considerable success for their clubs this season, but the injury bug has bit the likes of Matthew Wright (Kyoto Hannaryz), Dwight Ramos (Levanga Hokkaido), and Kiefer Ravena (Shiga Lakes) that has led to their teams' struggles.
Getting there, though, is another issue as recruited players must first secure their visa and an Overseas Employment Certificate from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) before they can play internationally.
But no question, it's hard to resist the temptation of turning pro and being paid handsomely overseas. And it's the quandary that these elite talents will have to make as more and more offers line up on their doorstep.
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