PBA looks ahead to another banner season
After a banner season that saw record numbers in live attendance and gate receipts, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) isn’t tampering with its formula for success and will continue to offer a fast-paced game for its 38th season which opens this Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Our fans have spoken,” declared PBA Commissioner Atty. Chito Salud. “They want a fast-paced game, they want a balanced competition among the 10 teams. They look forward to seeing new faces and new rookies who will challenge the status quo.”
The 37th season, which crowned different champions for each of the three conferences, “broke all records in terms of live attendance and gate receipts,” according to Salud. “I have always stressed that our product is the game, and the game is the product and we will always continue polishing that product."
Salud also acknowledged the work of the league’s broadcast partner, AKTV, which took over broadcasting chores last season, in helping improve TV coverage.
“It’s important to note that our partner in broadcasting our games is continuously making innovations. That is very key, an element that the PBA missed over the last few years.”
Following through on what worked and what didn’t work last season, the league will continue its three-conference format while at the same time further reducing the number of no-bearing games.
“We expect the games will be exciting because our format for the three conferences will be exciting, eliminating no-bearing games,” Salud continued. “We’re really very optimistic about this season. Every game will count.
“Powerade made it to the Philippine Cup finals (last season). Rain or Shine won the Governors Cup. So in terms of balance among the teams, we’re getting there. We’re not there yet, but we’re getting there. You will see the likes of Barako Bull, Meralco, and even Air21 making improvements. And also Global Port.”
The league has also shortened its season to accommodate the national team’s FIBA Asia commitments.
“Even before the SBP made known publicly that they will be bidding for the hosting rights, the Board of Governors already agreed to compress the schedule of the PBA,” Salud explained. “We will end this 2013 season by July 28, leaving August and September, the usual FIBA Asia months, free.”
Salud also had put in a final word about the debacle suffered by the SBP in its bid to host next year’s FIBA Asia Championship, even as there remains a slim chance the country will be awarded the hosting rights.
“If we don’t get that chance to host, I have these words for FIBA: we could have wowed them.”
Meanwhile , Petron Blaze, San Mig Coffee (formerly B-Meg) and defending champion Talk ‘N Text emerged as the pre-tournament favorites, at least in the eyes of the Board of Governors.
“The three San Miguel teams (Petron, San Mig and Barangay Ginebra) will be the teams to beat,” said Air21 Express Governor Lito Alvarez.
“I share the same sentiment as Sir Lito,” said Eric Arejola, head of basketball operations of newcomer GlobalPort. “However, you can’t count out TNT because they’re the defending champions.”
“Petron and San Mig Coffee, and my gut feel, Rain or Shine,” was the assessment of TNT representative to the Board Patrick Gregorio.
“TNT, Petron and San Mig Coffee,” said Barako Bull Governor Manny Alvarez. “As for the fourth team to compete the semifinals, don’t count out Barako Bull.”
Rain or Shine alternate Governor Andy Jao said: “Petron has the strongest lineup. But can they stay together? If they can, they’ll be tough to beat. No one is paying much attention to Talk n text. They’re the defending champion."
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and GlobalPort open hostilities in the lone opening-day game at 6:00PM following the opening ceremonies at 4:30PM.
