ONCE decided that he was leaving basketball, the son of Blackwater big boss Dioceldo Sy may end up following in the path threaded by both his grandfather and dad.
Daniel Gabriel Sy, who is currently enrolled as a Sports Management undergrad at Deakin University in Australia, has received a slot to take part in the NBA Summer League Sports Business Program.
The young Sy is one of only four chosen from hundreds of applicants worldwide that will receive hands-on management training from the NBA.
"It is an amazing program, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about NBA league management, scouting, video analysis, salary cap, CBA agreement, and others," said Daniel, a fixture in Blackwater VIP row back when he was still a kid.
"That NBA program is all about the league operations. What's good about it is that it provides all access to the Summer League," he added.
Asked why he once wanted to step away from basketball where his dad Dioceldo and lolo Diosdado have been rabid supporters since the 80s, the young Sy said it had nothing to do with the game itself.
“Medyo mapulitika. I see my dad's struggles with politics in the game. He doesn't express or display it, but there are actions he wishes to take but often can't due external factors,” he said.
Sy bared that there was a time when his dad wanted to sell his PBA franchise and just focus on the UAAP women’s basketball where Ever Bilena Cosmetics-supported NU Lady Bulldogs recorded an unprecendented seven straight championships from 2014.
"The Blackwater Bossing have the potential to become a successful franchise. Nevertheless, demonstrating this in the PBA is challenging. The top teams are exceptionally strong, and the league lacks parity. Despite these challenges, our roster, full of young and hungry players, is ready to compete every night,” said Daniel.
“Our teams were not designed to be doormats. During our time in the PBA D League, we successfully halted NLEX's championship run. Unfortunately, things are not yet going as we planned in the PBA,” he said.
Asked if he believes that his studies and NBA training can help change the fate of Blackwater, Sy said it will take a team effort not just from the organization but from the entire league to make the PBA fun to watch again.
"Well, I hope the voice of the majority can also be heard. It's time teams view the PBA as a platform for genuine gamesmanship and competition. That's what the fans appreciate too," he said.
'I hope the PBA will love us [back]'
"Shall I inherit the team from my dad five years from now? Well, that depends on my dad. It hinges on whether the team is still there and if my dad's passion for basketball remains aflame." said Sy, who was at the Ringwood Hawks’ game of his dad’s former player Jack Animam versus the Casey Cavaliers in Melbourne, Australia.
“I love the PBA, but I hope the PBA will also love us, not just the other teams, but most importantly, the fans. I am also an avid fan of this league and I hope it can return to its former glory." said Daniel.
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