Filbasket clears up GAB issue, to push through with inaugural tournament

Filbasket, the newly created amateur league founded by former Ateneo Blue Eagle Jai Reyes, will finally open its inaugural tournament on Thursday, October 28 in a bubble setup at the Subic Bay Gymnasium.

After a recent misunderstanding with the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) regarding the league’s amateur status, Reyes clarified that Filbasket is not a professional league and only allowances will be given to the players in the short 26-day tournament.

“We’re doing this to help the players because they’ve been doing nothing for almost two years and there are no opportunities,” said Reyes in a mix of English and Filipino during a virtual press conference on Saturday, October 23.

“It’s just a 26-day tournament and only allowances are going to be given to the players from the teams.”

“We would like to clear that out, that for this first tournament, we are amateur in nature,” he emphasized

Reyes, though, made it clear that if Filbasket decides to turn professional in the future, the league would have no issue in complying with all the rules and requirements of the GAB.

“Going to our future plans, if indeed we do grow into a league that is worthy to fit the description of a pro league, then we have no problem in complying with the GAB,” said Reyes.

Filbasket, which received clearance from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Regional Task Force 3 (Central Luzon) to push through with its season, will feature 11 teams, including 2021 VisMin Super Cup champion AICC Manila, 2020 MPBL champion Davao Occidental Tigers, and 2019 MPBL champion San Juan Knights, among others.

The league will run from October 28 to November 22, and it will follow a single-round robin format, quarterfinals, knockout semifinals, and a best-of-three finals.

Games will be shown live on Filbasket’s official Facebook page, YouTube channel, and TikTok account. – Rappler.com