LAPU-LAPU CITY – It would have been a hell of an exciting time for both Danny Seigle and Jay Washington had there already been an East Asia Super League (EASL) during their time together playing for San Miguel.
Both PBA legends couldn’t stop thinking about the ‘what ifs’ scenario about them taking their acts to a league that pitted them against the best ball players in this side of Asia.
The regional meet unfortunately, came late, several years after both Seigle and Washington retired from the PBA.
“We’re just talking about that,” Seigle shared when asked about the missed opportunity.
“As a player, you just want to compete against the best. And I wished we could have been given that kind of opportunity,’ added the 47-year-old forward, an eight-time PBA champion, owner of four Finals MVPs, and a two-time Best Player of the Conference.
That San Miguel team of the 2000s could have definitely competed with the best of the East Asian region what with the likes of Seigle and Washington teaming up with two-time MVP Danny Ildefonso, Olsen Racela, Dondon Hontiveros, Marc Pingris, Mick Pennisi, Dorian Pena, Mike Cortez, Lordy Tugade, among others.
That Beermen side of coach Siot Tanquingcen beat Barangay Ginebra in seven games to win the 2009 Fiesta Conference championship.
“I wish we had it,” added Washington, who is an EASL Ambassador, and a four-time PBA champion and twice BPC awardee. “Any athlete in any sport, you want to play the best of the best.”
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In a way, Washington, said young players of today are fortunate to be playing in such a tournament that features a high-level of competition.
“I’m really happy for these guys to have that kind of competition,” he added.
With the two relegated to the background, both Seigle and Washington expect an entertaining show starting in Friday’s Final Four pitting defending champion Anyang Jung Kwan Jang against long-time rival Seoul SK Knights in an all-Korean showdown and top seed Chiba Jets against Jeremy Lin and the New Taipei Kings.
“It could be a great one. All good,” said Seigle, who flew in here just to enjoy the games as a big fan of the league.
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