Seigle is a ‘great candidate’ for commish job – Alapag

MANILA, Philippines – The youngest candidate for the PBA Commissioner job is backed by Jimmy Alapag.

Alapag declared that the 38-year old active Talk ’N Text player Danny Seigle is a “great” and “viable” candidate to become PBA Commissioner once the outgoing Chito Salud vacates the position at the end of the season. 

“I think he’s a great candidate,” Alapag stated Thursday, April 9, just hours after Seigle was announced as one of the 6 shortlisted candidates to be the next commissioner. 

“I think you won’t find a better person. A guy of high character and of utmost class. I think he’s shown that throughout his career ” 

(READ: Seigle’s ‘grassroots exposure’ to PBA factor in commish consideration)

Alapag is Seigle’s old foe turned teammate turned team manager and the two have known each other for years.

Alapag, who played side by side with Seigle from 2013 until the former’s retirement in this year’s Philippine Cup, had nothing but praise for the 16-year PBA veteran. 

“You look at his experience in the PBA, the MVPs, the championships, I think he’s a very viable candidate.”

Seigle is a 7-time PBA champion and a 4-time Finals MVP throughout his storied career. He has played for 3 teams in the San Miguel Beermen, the Barako Bull Energy and now the Texters. 

Seigle being named to the shortlist came as a surprise since he was still playing. But Global Executive Solutions, the headhunter the PBA hired to conduct the search, explained Seigle’s active status works to his advantage as he has the “grassroots exposure” and is very in tune with the PBA’s direction. 

Alapag admitted Seigle still actively playing is his edge.

“I think most notably he’s still connected to the game, still being active,” he explained. “I don’t know what the requirements are or what the league is looking for as far as the next commissioner but I think his connection to the league, his relationship with coaches, players, and managers can only benefit him.” 

“But I think his resume speaks for itself. As a person, it’d be tough to find someone with as much character and as much class,” Alapag added.

Seigle’s competition for the post include Vince Hizon, Rickie Santos, Jay Adalem, Mark Fischer, and Charlie Cuna – all much older than him and with extensive backgrounds in the business, management, operations, and promotions of basketball. 

The candidate with which Seigle has the most similarities is former player Hizon, whom Alapag also agreed was a good choice due to his successes in the PBA.  

The 44-year old Hizon, however, has since ventured off to new horizons as he is now the Commissioner of the PhilSports Basketball Association.

Seigle is also among the notable snubs for the 40 Greatest Players list, unlike Alapag who was one of the 15 players added to the list and enshrined last Wednesday, April 8. – Rappler.com