Hapee franchise knocking on PBA's doors

Lamoiyan Corporation, owner of Hapee Toothpaste in the Philippine Basketball League, is knocking on the doors of the Philippine Basketball Association.
And according to Bernard Yang, team manager of Hapee Toothpaste, the timing is perfect for the group's entry to the PBA as it would benefit both the league and the players.
"It's a given fact now that there are so many players being displaced," Yang said.


Whether the Lamoiyan Corporation will join the pro league by buying the Photokina franchise or enter the league as an expansion squad has yet to be determined.
Red Bull, Photokina's team in the PBA, is reportedly having trouble managing a team in the pro league and fulfilling its obligations to some of its players.
Red Bull has been suffering economic pinch as early as two years ago when it started to trade its marquee players one after another.
Among these were Enrico Villanueva, Larry Fonacier, Lordy Tugade, Junthy Valenzuela, Cyrus Baguio and Mick Pennisi, all members of the last Red Bull champion squad.
Up to this time, Red Bull has difficulty paying their players on time, forcing player John Arigo and his agent Danny Espiritu to elevate their complaint to the PBA.
Meanwhile, incoming PBA chairman and Burger King board representative Lito Alvarez said the league's expansion would be beneficial not only to Asia's first pro league, but to the players, whose careers have been shortened because of shortage of competing teams.
It would also help save the slumping company of Red Bull, which is reportedly selling its franchise.
"Mabilis ang transition ng players ngayon," said Alvarez. "Right now, you will see players even at their early 30s who are forced to early retirement as they have no teams to play for. I think it's about time the PBA pushes for expansion."
Aside from Lamoiyan Corporation, the SM Group of business tycoon Henry Sy, the Gokongwei Group and Harbour Centre of Mikee Romero are also expressing their interest to join the PBA.
Sy's SM company is the staunch backer of National University in the UAAP; the Gokongwei Group a successful member of the PBA family with its Great Taste team in the mid-80s; and Romero's Harbour Centre maintains a dynasty in the PBL. GMANews.TV