Bye for now? Thoughts on Barako Bulls' hiatus

Barako Bull during happier times

When Solar's marketing team first came out with this new slogan, I immediately thought "U-oh, here they go again." It wasn't that long ago when the PBA came up with its rather catchy yet far-from-the-truth mantra of being a "Bayan of Superstars."

Right. Not with names like Marlon Legaspi, Ronald Magtulis and Junjun Cabatu getting way too much playing time.

It was also rather ironic, since you could make an argument that there are better players strutting their wares in minor leagues such as Liga Pilipinas and Asean Basketball League-- definitely better than those wearing Barako Bull uniform. A team so disgraced, that they were pulling the credibility of the PBA down the toilet-- generously acting/serving as a dispersal/ farm team for the more financially stable teams in the league.


When the team first broke into the PBA from the PBL as the Red Bull Thunder, expectations were high and they immediately challenged crowd-darlings Barangay Ginebra Kings as far as the masses were concerned. They had Jimwell Torion-- the closest thing his era had to those electric NBA point-guards (Iverson, Marbury), an established amateur sharpshooter in Lordy Tugade, hustle-man Junthy Valenzuela, young Kerby Raymundo and two Fil-foreigners Davonn Harp and Mick Pennisi.

Other big names to have worn the RB jersey include their MVP Willie Miller, young Rico Villanueva (who was pretty dominant/arrogant back in the day), Larry Fonacier, Rich Alvarez, Cyrus Baguio (who was benched his first two years before blossoming into the scorer, we all knew he was, today) and so on. That team, then coached by current Rain or Shine head Yeng Guiao, always fought hard and was known for its bruising, kanto-basketball style of play.

But then came the Global Financial Crisis, and of how the world-wide Red Bull brand pulled out of the country. The Photokina franchise struggled hard to maintain its lofty standings, but money was obviously running out quick. Lopsided trades soon followed-- leaving a lot of its fans disgusted and betrayed. Promises of forming another competitive team always fell short, and the Barako Bull franchise would almost always enjoy a superstar performance from one player-- only to trade him mid-conference to a contender for cash and draft picks (which would later on turn into cash via, surprise, trades).

Personally, I feel happy that the team is taking a hiatus next conference "to make way for the Smart Gilas Philippine team." Right.

Not only because I want to see someone (hi Wyne Arboleda) give Chris Tiu a man-sized foul, but because it gives the league more credibility. A team that is okay with trading away its best players for almost nothing, is clearly not looking to compete. The young PBA commissioner, Chito Salud, has already stepped in more than once in trades involving Barako Bull to "balance" the field. It leaves a bad taste in everyone's mouths, Barako Bull, whoever is trading with them, and the commissioner himself (who is doing a great job) who shouldn't even be involved in trade scenarios.

In a perfect world, Barako Bull should just sell its franchise rights to MVP (who obviously wants another team in the PBA aside from Talk N Text and Meralco) and, if they still want to be a player in the basketball industry, move down to the development league.