CHICAGO - In November 2021, the Meralco Bolts dispatched a representative to Las Vegas to video document the workouts of Shabazz Muhammad.
When team executives back in Manila saw the images, their eyes glowed like bright neon lights and the electric company couldn't wait to drape a jersey on the No. 14 pick of the 2013 NBA draft.
"Shabazz and his agent agreed that he would play for Meralco," a source told SPIN.ph, but the deal fell through as Muhammad dealt with a "personal emergency" and ended up signing with San Miguel Beer.
READ Magnolia goes all-Filipino with Muhammad yet to get clearance
Nearly three years later, the Magnolia Hotshots are experiencing that Shabazz Muhammad lovin' feeling.
In the throes of a stifling, six-year title drought, Magnolia is under immense pressure to win. And the desperation, I guess, has triggered a bold move of bringing in a big-name, big-game performer.
There's just one problem.
FREE OR TAKEN?
The former five-star recruit and UCLA alum may not necessarily be a free agent.
According to Beirut-based Homenetmen, they have signed Muhammad and made an official announcement via Instagram last August 30. The team's social media post even showed a graphic of an airplane bound for Lebanon.
Last Thursday, Shabazz arrived in Manila following a 22-hour flight from Venezuela, where he last played. He was brought in to replace Glenn Robinson III as Magnolia import.
The 6-foot-6 wing was supposed to debut last Friday versus Meralco but was barred from playing because his Letter of Clearance (LOC) from FIBA has not been secured.
As explained by a registered PBA agent, an LOC is a ministerial, system-based request that is usually automatic as an ATM machine.
LOC HANGS IN THE BALANCE
So what's the hold-up in Shabazz's case? Did Lebanon balk?
That remains unclear.
Citing a desire to avoid "any controversy with my team," Shabazz politely declined an in-depth interview but he did acknowledge that his announced signing with Lebanon was "public."
Since he never played for Homenetmen after his supposed signing, does that mean the team does not keep his rights? Or is a mere signing enough to claim a players' rights?
Those are the key points that need to be sorted out before an LOC, if ever, is issued.
It's a tough spot to be in. It's also avoidable had Magnolia done its due diligence.
This kind of lapse has never happened at Strong Group Athletics which routinely employs former NBA players under the watch of the well-connected coach Charles Tiu.
Even the Zamboanga Valientes bring in foreign imports without a hitch.
You'd think a PBA team can do better.
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