VisMin Super Cup, MPBL reach 'compromise' on players jumping ships says Rocky Chan

The Talisay Aquastars are composed of the core of the MPBL's Valenzuela Classic, which could pose some problems if they will rejoin the MPBL. Talisay Aquastars (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup COO Rocky Chan said that the new professional league has addressed the situation with the MPBL regarding the latter's players who will join the former's inaugural season starting April 9.

In an interview on Friday night over the Sports Bytes podcast, Chan said that he already discussed the matter to an undisclosed MPBL official.

"Last week, I talked to someone from MPBL. We've discussed the situation, and I think we've come up with a compromise," Chan said. "Maganda naman ang naging usapan namin."

However, he did not disclose the compromise agreed upon.

"Baka sabihin nila inuunahan namin sila," Chan reasoned. "Hopefully, we get an announcement from them soon."

Initially envisioned as a de jure amateur, the VisMin Super Cup eventually took the pro route in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, which only allows pro leagues to take place in low risk areas preferably through a bubble.

"We wanted a venue for people to generate jobs. It's a big gamble on our end kasi pag di ka nag-pro, no-no ka ngayon lalo na ngayon na mas naghigpit," Chan further said.

However, this paved the way for many MPBL players to join the VisMin Super Cup.

One instance is the case of the Talisay Aquastars, whose core is made up of players from the MPBL's Valenzuela Classic led by team captain Paulo Hubalde.

Team Manager Jhon Santos admitted in the March 2 edition of the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum that the Valenzuela players suiting up in the VisMin Super Cup for Talisay could pose as a road block for them to get back to the MPBL, which has insisted on staying as amateur, due to the league's "ex-pro" rules.

The MPBL is only allowing a maximum of seven former professional players per team, at most five in an active roster.

"Sa totoo lang, ‘yung team namin maaapektuhan nang todo, kasi alam naman natin na ang ex-pro na kayang bitbitin sa MPBL is 5-7 lang. Kami buong team ‘yung magiging pro," Santos rued.

Chan then confirmed what Santos later said in the PSA Forum that the Aquastars' management wanted to help their Classic players in swinging back to action amid the pandemic.

"They're the first team talaga who committed to play for us because of humanitarian consideration. Sinasahuran nila yung players, and they just want a league na mapaglaruan," Chan further said.

The plot thickened when he confirmed that the Basilan Steel will be bringing their entire squad to the VisMin Super Cup after an unceremonious exit from the MPBL playoffs no thanks to positive COVID-19 cases.

[Related Story: League chief Chan confirms Basilan Steel joining VisMin Super Cup]

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