The Long (and Hard) Road

     Recently, former Ateneo guard/forward Kirk Long expressed his desire to play in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).  Knowing full well that his American heritage prevents him from applying, he is apparently taking steps to get the PBA to make an exception to his case.

     Kirk, the son of Faith Academy pastor Jeff Long, was actually born and raised in the Philippines, where their family has spent their years spreading the word of God.  The younger Long joined the Ateneo Blue Eagles in 2007 and became an integral part of their unprecendented 4 championship run.  He also played 4 years of high school basketball, giving him 9 years of playing experience here in the country.

     This Long case is bringing back the arguments brought on when Alex Compton, another player of pure American heritage born in the Philippines, applied for the PBA as well and here are just some of my short (pun intended) random thoughts about this whole situation. 

• While Long and Compton are similar in many ways, Long does have the advantage of being raised here and playing basketball here.  Long's residency here means allowing him to play in the PBA will not open "the flood gates" for moneyed franchises to just naturalize foreign players to strengthen their line up, as some people fear.

• An invalid argument supporting Long's entry into the PBA would be that he is "more Filipino" than the Filipino-Americans playing in the league.  That argument is just irresponsible.  Erik Menk, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Lutz, the Seigle brothers and even the "questioned" Fil-Ams like Asi Taulava and Mick Pennissi have all sacrificed time, effort and their careers to play for the national team.  There is nothing more Filipino than that in my book. 

• Another invalid argument was ironically made by Arben Santos, one of Long's ardent supporters.  Santos said that Long, who was judged Model College Player of the Year, should be allowed into the PBA since he's a "role model" and "he's not dominant."  That's basically saying foreigners can play in the PBA as long as they're good hearted and can't play well. 

Pacific Rims Author Rafe Bartholomew: Long Lookalike?



• Try as I have, I cannot see the resemblance between Kirk Long and Rafe Bartholomew.

• On the basketball court, he's one of the very few players in the UAAP who has steadily improved their game by sheer determination. He started out as pure athleticism, became a feared defender and in his final two years, developed a reliable outside shot and competent ball handling skills.  Players with his skill and attitude would be a positive to the PBA.

     Personally, I like the thought of Kirk Long playing in the PBA.  He's a good guy with good baller skills.  Here's the kicker though. If he is to play in the PBA, let the PBA change its rules first.  Rules are there for a reason.  If he appeals for an exception, let Marcus Douthit get the exception first.  After all, Kuya Marcus has changed his citizenship, taken up residence here with his family and served the national team.  Kirk should try and appeal, though.  I will join him in hoping for a rule change sometime in the near future.