During its recent annual board meeting at the Warwick Hotel, the PBA clarified the rules regarding unrestricted free agency for overseas players who were formerly part of the league. It was emphasized that these players must complete a seven-year stint in the PBA before they can become unrestricted free agents. This clarification aims to prevent players from sitting out and waiting until they become eligible for unrestricted free agency.
Atty. Raymond Zorilla, the board treasurer, highlighted this point and addressed the misconception among players. He explained that simply reaching the seven-year mark is not enough; the players must have actually played in the PBA and been covered by a contract during that time.
Several players who previously competed in the PBA have since taken their talents overseas, including Kiefer Ravena, Bobby Ray Parks, Robert Bolick, Roosevelt Adams, Greg Slaughter, and Matthew Wright. Zorilla used Wright's case with Phoenix as an example. Wright played for the team for six years before leaving to play in the Japan B. League for the Kyoto Hannaryz.
If Wright decides to return to the PBA, he cannot freely choose the team he wants to play for, despite being beyond the seven-year grace period for unrestricted free agency. Zorilla clarified that Wright still has one year left to fulfill the seven-year rule or residency requirement before he can exercise his right to choose a team.
The PBA's rule on unrestricted free agency was implemented for players selected in the 2014 draft onwards. This means that players like Ravena, Parks, Bolick, Adams, and Wright will need to complete seven playing years before they have the freedom to select the team they wish to play for in the league. The rule aims to maintain fairness and ensure that players fulfill their contractual obligations before enjoying the benefits of unrestricted free agency.
That means then that if the rumor that Ray Parks Jr. wants to play for Ginebra, he still needs a trade from TNT. Same is the case of Matthew Wright if he is more willing to return to the PBA if he plays for Ginebra or San Miguel.
Same with Kiefer Ravena if he wants to play for TNT Tropang Giga.
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