IF and when the Starhorse Basilan team acquires the PBA franchise of the Terrafirma Dyip, its team owner has one firm promise to basketball fans: “We will form a very competitive team; we won’t be anyone's ‘farm team’, if there is such!”
Businessman/sportsman Jackson Chua told SPIN.ph that he has been monitoring the developments in the pro league, especially now that the group's application papers are in the hands of the PBA board.
COLUMN: Sale of Terrafirma's PBA team to Starhorse still in doubt?
A source from inside the league bared the board has already approved the first phase of the sale of Terrafirma.
“Lagi pa rin kami nag-uusap ni [Terrafirma team governor] Mr. Bobby Rosales, he wants an assurance na hindi kami uurong sa usapan,” said Chua, owner of the posh Red Dynasty Seafood and Hotpot Restaurant inside the Winford Hotel and Casino in Manila.
Asked if he is determined to turn things around for the franchise, which in 11 years in the league has become known more for trading key players and top draft picks than success on the court, Chua nodded.
“Syempre. Bakit tayo papayag na ma-trade key players natin? Yun nga lang hindi pa namin nabibili franchise, nakiusap na kami na 'wag na galawin and we are happy kasi the PBA itself released a statement nan naka-freeze na ang assets ng Terrafirma,” he said.
“Even si Mr. Rosales, who is very approachable and a gentleman, assured us na lock, stock and barrel ang franchise sale if matutuloy,” added Chua.
Asked if he expects to form a competitive team in so short a time given the available talent he expects to be at his disposal, Jackson said he is optimistic about the future, especially with Terrafirma's future first-round picks thankfully intact.
“I am very particular when it comes to forming a competitive basketball team, yan ang passion ko eh. Nakita nyo naman sa MPBL dati, kung di lang kami naapektuhan nung Covid-19 protocol at di kami na-default, we could have walked away with the championship,” said Chua.
“Our group is very passionate about sports, seryoso kami na mag-compete, hindi kami sumali para matatalo lang. Marketing and competition are about excellence. So you’re asking me if makapasok ako sa PBA magiging farm team kami, definitely not!
"No way,” he vowed.
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