November 20 News Recap: Taha, PBA and etc.

The season started with a victory by the defending champion. Here is a recap of the recent news. 

Not Yet: PBA board chair Mikee Romero said that league-expansion is not yet on the table
We are two seasons old as a twelve-team league and don't expect the numbers to grow in the next few years. “So any expansion won’t be this 42nd season. I don’t know by next year or the following season. Pero kailangan munang ma-perfect ng PBA yung 12 teams. Pag perfect na, tsaka na tayo mag-expand.”

I don't think a league-expansion will provide any help in the league. Marketing wise, the young franchises are very slow in increasing their popularity. Expansion could also be risky because another "farm-team" could be summoned. I think, the earliest season to consider that idea is 2019. 

The Choice: Yousef Taha has retired from the PBA
Here was the explanation and social media statement of Yousef. 

I am actually a Taha believer. I am sad that a very young player will leave the league but the choice has been made and I am wishing him all the best. 

The Choice 2: Nelbert Omolon called it a career
Nelbert will be one of the veterans that will end their basketball career this year. His career statline was 7.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 46.1% FG. His hay days were his first six seasons with the Sta. Lucia Realtors where he claimed a championship. 

Not the best way to Start: James Yap will likely miss ROS' first two games
James is still recovering from arthroscopic surgery performed on him during the off-season. According to him, he will miss their games against TNT and Mahindra. His first game will be against Ginebra, in December 04.

 This is a clear sign to me that James will be missing a lot of games due to injury. Maybe, I could be wrong but the effect of the surgery in his psyche could be very bad. One positive thing from this will be the additional minutes available for Jericho Cruz and Mike Tolomia.