Seigle’s ‘grassroots exposure’ to PBA factor in commish consideration

MANILA, Philippines – Of the 6 names considered for the PBA Commissioner job, Talk ’N Text’s Danny Seigle came as a surprise.

The 38-year old active player is the youngest of the list and the most unlikely with everybody else who are more involved with the business, management, operations, and promotions of basketball.

Ray Canilao of Global Executive Solutions, the PBA’s appointed headhunter for the commissioner post, explained their choice of Seigle, saying that it was his grassroots exposure to the league through his 16-year career as a player that helped him make the cut.

“The exposure of Danny in the last 16 years is really grassroots. He understands the PBA like anything – the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities as far as the PBA is concerned,” Canilao explained during the PBA’s announcement of the 6 shortlisted individuals before game 3 of the Purefoods-Talk ’N Text semifinals on Thursday, April 9 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“He is a potential candidate because he also loves basketball like anything.”

Seigle, who has played for teams such as the San Miguel Beermen, the Barako Bull Energy and now the Texters throughout his storied career, is said to fit the criteria set by the headhunter and the search committee.

“We honestly feel he can also deal with coaches, he can deal with the Board of Governors because he’s been with different teams, and he can also deal with the ManComm of the PBA,” Canilao elaborated.

“He is committed as far as time is concerned, he understands the technicality of the games,” he added.

Time is of utmost importance for the incoming commissioner, as the job requires 24/7 attention including but not limited to attendance in every PBA game.

Outgoing Commissioner Chito Salud revealed Seigle was not the only PBA player who was considered for the job in the initial pool of 18 candidates, but did not state any names.

“There were former governors, former players, there were individuals who applied directly to the PBA,” said Salud, who will take on the role of Chief Executive Officer and President of the league by the end of the season.

“Canilao interviewed all of them. I believe the interviews averaged about 2 hours per session. Very thorough.”

The next step in the selection process, according to Salud, is to trim down the 6 names to 3 and the PBA’s Board of Governors will interview them within the next 2 weeks and decide on the final 2 individuals. The new commissioner will be chosen, at the latest, by May 15.

“Maybe Danny is looking forward to pursuing a career in the sports industry, relating to basketball,” Canilao said. – Rappler.com