AMA knocking on PBA door

AMA, the Philippines’ top IT university, declared its intent of joining the PBA. 

In a press conference on Wednesday at the Bagoong Club, the school’s senior vice president, Arnel Hibo, said that the Titans will likely enter the league.

“Our way to the PBA is through expansion,” said Hibo, who also acts as the team manager for the school’s varsity sports program as well as its PBA D-League team.

Once approved, the said school will play under the AMA Online Education banner while keeping its D-League team, still to be bolstered with players from its Naascu squad, under the name AMA University.

Hibo later told PNA in a separate interview how the school made its intent known.

“We already sent the application. Mga October or November namin sinubmit. Na-receive na ng PBA,” he revealed. “We’re just waiting for the PBA to call us to meet with us para tanungin yung mga opportunities.”

Once approved, the Titans will be the first school team to join the PBA, and Hibo is already having mixed feelings about it.

“Actually magkahalong fear and excitement,” Hibo bared his feelings about the PBA application.

Right now, the college’s focus is on not just the D-League Aspirants Cup, which will begin on Thursday, but as well as its varsity teams as well.

“Ang preparasyon na ginagawa namin ay [ang pagiging] very active sa D-League, collegiate, at pati na sa high school at elementary.”

Hibo also told his bullishness about his team’s chances in the tournament with Teng and Dario bolstering the Taganas and Arambulo-led squad.

“Yung mga players na nakuha namin ngayon eh swerte dahil medyo malalakas, mga kilala sila. Saka mga PBA-ready na sila,” he continued.

In fact, AMA president Amable Aguiluz said that he wants no less than a championship this season during the press conference. PNA