June 2 ------ THE PBA is already studying the possibility of lifting the height limit for imports for next season. This was revealed by league commissioner Willie Marcial in an interview during the Let It Fly podcast. “Pinag-aaralan na namin na walang height limit. Baka this upcoming season,” said Marcial during the podcast.
In a separate talk with SPIN.ph, the commissioner said he will propose to the board that one of the two import-laced conferences next season will have no ceiling for reinforcements. However, Marcial and the league remained lukewarm to the idea of having two imports per team, citing logistical problems (cost) and concerns that Filipino players will have so little opportunities to shine under a format.
The height limit on imports have been a hot topic as of late since the PBA is perhaps the only league who imposes such ruling. Former NBA player Dwight Howard was among the high-profile personalities that spoke about the PBA’s height limit during his brief stay in the country when he played for Strong Group Athletics in the Dubai International Championship. Howard said he has a desire to play as PBA import but might not be eligible because he is listed at 6-foot-10.
The former Los Angeles Lakers center claims he is 6-foot-9 without shoes. “I'm eligible for the PBA so I think they gotta change the height requirement,” said Howard. Howard is also for scrapping the height limit so players such as former Gilas Pilipinas player Andray Blatche can still play in the PBA. “I'm 6-foot-9 without shoes. And with shoes, it adds a little inch. So hopefully they do that (change the height limit) so guys like Dray can come back here and play as well,” said Howard.
The 6-foot-11 Blatche admitted he had a desire to play in the PBA although he didn’t categorically state that the height limit is preventing it from happening. “I’ve been trying to get in the PBA for years and they would not let me play. I don’t think it would happen,” said Blatche.
Source: spin.ph
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