A long-time Korean basketball blogger has questioned the quality of imports currently playing in the PBA, raising a discussion about the growing number of Filipino players choosing to pursue professional careers in Japan and South Korea.
In a post on social media, @baekpd1983 described the list of imports registered for the PBA Governors’ Cup and Commissioner’s Cup as “somewhat disappointing” and suggested that PBA teams may need to offer higher salaries to attract imports.
The list of imported players registered annually for the Philippine Basketball Association’s Governor’s Cup and Commissioner’s Cup is somewhat disappointing.
PBA clubs appear to need to raise the salaries they offer when signing imported players.… pic.twitter.com/nZIugP3pzC
— 알럽바스켓공 (@baekpd1983) September 30, 2026
“The list of imported players registered annually for the Philippine Basketball Association’s Governor’s Cup and Commissioner’s Cup is somewhat disappointing,” the blogger wrote.
“PBA clubs appear to need to raise the salaries they offer when signing imported players.”
The observation comes as several Filipino players are now gaining experience in the more established professional leagues of Japan and South Korea.
Among those playing in Japan are national team regulars Dwight Ramos, Mike Phillips, AJ Edu, Quentin Millora-Brown and Kai Sotto, while Kevin Quiambao, Carl Tamayo and Rhenz Abando have pursued opportunities in South Korea.
Their overseas stints have given the players exposure to different playing styles and competition while allowing them to build professional careers outside the PBA.
The trend has also become part of the wider discussion surrounding the development of Philippine basketball, particularly as Gilas Pilipinas continues to rely on players competing overseas for international campaigns.
The Korean blogger’s comments specifically focused on the quality and compensation of PBA imports, rather than directly addressing the Filipino players competing abroad.
For the Philippines, the increasing presence of local talents in Japan and Korea has provided another pathway for players seeking professional opportunities while remaining available for consideration by the national team. (Adrian Co)
