FORMER PBA Commissioner Noli Eala cited the professional basketball system in Japan and South Korea as examples for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and the Gilas Pilipinas program to consider following the two countries’ meeting in the Asian Games men’s basketball gold medal game.
South Korea defeated Japan, 67-57, in Sunday’s championship match, highlighting the progress of both nations’ domestic basketball programs.
Eala said the Japan’s B.League and South Korea’s KBL have created environments where local players regularly compete alongside and against international talent, including both foreign and Asian imports.
“Japan and Korea have very progressive and inclusive pro basketball leagues,” Eala said in a social media post.
Japan and Korea have very progressive and inclusive pro basketball leagues. Playing with and against more imports, both world and asian, exposes their locals to higher level of competition. Naturalized players are allowed to play at home which ensures their availability for their…
— Noli Eala (@NoliEala) September 20, 2026
He noted that increased exposure to imports has given local players opportunities to compete against higher-level opposition, while the availability of naturalized players in their domestic leagues also helps their respective national teams.
“Playing with and against more imports, both world and Asian, exposes their locals to higher level of competition,” Eala said. “Naturalized players are allowed to play at home which ensures their availability for their National teams whenever needed.”
Eala also pointed to the scheduling of the two leagues around international competitions, saying coordination with FIBA and other national team commitments can benefit both professional leagues and their players.
“Synchronizing their league scheds with FIBA and other international demands just shows that ‘less can be more’,” he said.
He added that stable ownership of professional teams is another key component in building sustainable basketball programs and providing consistent opportunities and compensation for players.
“Stable ownership of pro teams ensures sustainable programs and pay for players,” Eala said.
With the PBA continuing to navigate its own league and national team commitments, Eala called for greater openness to structural changes and new approaches.
“If only the PBA can accept the need to adapt and be open to new ideas. Thats where meaningful change begins,” he said. (Adrian Co)
