But do they really not want to play for the country? I think otherwise as I have seen PBA players who have played with so much passion (and heart
) during the times they have represented the country. Instead, I think the issue is that the PBA is no longer willing to let go of their
assets.
Playing
for the country and playing
as part of the national team are two different things. In the cases of Hontiveros and Alapag, they might be more than willing to play for the Philippines, but they don't want to be part of the national team coached by Yeng Guiao, due to, uhm, employee-employer relations.
There are many permutations in this case. For all we know, the naturalized player might just be interested in playing as part of the national team for the (substantial) paycheck, but would be the first to repudiate his assumed nationality. We could also have players who want to represent the country, but feel that their skill sets as of this time are not enough to clinch a slot in this year's team and would rather much use their time training for the time they'll be ready. Others might treat playing in the national team as some sort of exposure to foreign scouts and might not give a rat's @$$ about the name emblazoned on the front of his jersey. The possibilities are endless.
What we need are players who are ready, willing, and able. Not a bunch of conscripts who would rather be elsewhere, recovering from injury or avoiding it. If the PBA allows one of its players to suit up for the team, what would the coverage plan be? Who will pay for treatment for injuries sustained during NT games? Will the SBP cover it, or is the mother company duty-bound to do that? Is there a possibility of two parallel contracts running at the same time?
From a purely business viewpoint, it does not make sense for an entity to finance another company's acquisition and maintenance of assets. How will a CEO explain this expense to his stakeholders?
I understand that there is a clarion call for players who are ready, willing, and able to join the NT. But service is not something that is to be coerced upon anyone.
D_I_A's "draft dodging" argument holds no water here, since the Philippines has never had a conscription service and even the ROTC has evolved into other forms of community service, some of which do not even involve the military. Service is voluntary. We don't force people to join the army; why should we demand the same from our athletes?
LOL
