PBA sets preseason games

MANILA, Philippines — “Hindi mawawala ang basketball” was PBA commissioner Willie Marcial’s promise to fans while Gilas trains abroad to prepare for the FIBA World Cup that starts Aug. 25. The PBA will postpone the launch of its 48th season to September or October, depending on Gilas coach Chot Reyes’ plans for the Asian Games, so that the pro league could technically be inactive for five to six months.

Marcial said the ongoing Governors Cup will end on April 26 or 28, allowing Reyes a free hand to draft PBA players for the SEA Games in Cambodia on May 5-17. He added that starting May 15, the PBA will roll out offseason or preseason games up to July 15. The games will be televised with out-of-town or provincial engagements in the schedule.

“Pipilitin natin mag out-of-town games, malamang mostly sa Luzon,” said Marcial. “Walang championship ito, laro lang para ‘di kalawangin mga teams.” He noted that coaches will likely use the games to test players on the bubble, expecting rotations to go deeper. “Mga coaches na gumagamit ng eight-man rotation, baka maging up to 15,” he said. But at the end of the preseason period on July 15, the PBA will take a total break to give way to the World Cup.

Regarding the start of the 48th season, Marcial said he will discuss with Reyes what the plans are for the Asian Games set in Hangzhou, China, on Sept. 23-Oct. 8. If Reyes will recruit PBA players for the Asian Games, Marcial said the next PBA season will reel off in October. But if no PBA players will be picked, the season could start in September. “Depende kay coach Chot,” said Marcial. “Kung magumpisa ang season sa October, ang draft will be in September pero kung magumpisa ang season sa September, ang draft will be in August. Todo suporta ang PBA sa SBP at Gilas kaya dalawang conference lang ang next PBA season.”

Marcial said it’s still not determined if the next campaign will feature the Commissioner’s or Governors Cup. The first conference will be the Philippine Cup but the second could be the Commissioner’s Cup with an import height limit of under 6-10 or the Governors Cup with an import height limit of under 6-6. Marcial said Bay Area’s successful participation in the recent Commissioner’s Cup may mean inviting a foreign guest team to play again next season. “Kung magkakasundo ang PBA at ang foreign guest team, bakit hindi?” he continued. Marcial said several foreign teams have inquired about joining next season. “Uupuan ko mga PBA coaches for advice at suggestions kung anong magandang adjustment sa rules kung magkakaroon tayo ng foreign guest team muli,” he added. Marcial said it’s possible the Dragons could return for another conference.