Asian hoops coming back

MANILA, Philippines — East Asia Super League CEO Matt Beyer said the other day basketball in the Asian region is slowly getting back on its feet with new health protocols now under study for compliance once games return to the court.

Beyer, who lives in Hong Kong, has staged four basketball events and 74 games in Macau over the last three years. He plans to hold the third Terrific 12 tournament, still in Macau, on Sept. 15-20 with a dozen teams from China, South Korea, Japan and the Philippines. Next year, Beyer will inaugurate the East Asia Super League with a home-and-away format involving two teams each from the same Terrific 12 countries and culminating in a Final Four to approximate a Super Bowl atmosphere.

Despite the pandemic, Beyer is optimistic that things will move forward and basketball will be back for the fans to enjoy. “I’m a Christian,” he said. “I live every day like it’s my last. I’d like to think I’m serving a larger purpose.” Through basketball, Beyer said he’s able to reach out to people, provide an opportunity for a livelihood and offer a platform of wholesome entertainment.

Beyer said he’s hoping conditions will allow the Terrific 12 this year to push through. “The issue is travel in a safe way,” he said. “We don’t know how long protocols will extend processing travelers for flights. Right now, we’re looking at playing in a controlled environment in Macau. It will be almost behind closed doors with the audience limited to a select few, perhaps team owners, sponsors, VIPs and media to watch in small enclosed pods.”

The idea is to cover the Terrific 12 with extensive media. “Audience is critical depending on the product,” said Beyer.  “In the WWE, it’s essential but not in UFC. I think basketball players will adjust to conditions and the game will speak for itself.” In the Terrific 12 last year, Beyer organized media coverage that reached 117 million cumulative viewers through 37 broadcast and streaming platforms while hosting over 170 media outlets.

Ever Bilena CEO and Blackwater PBA team owner Dioceldo Sy said if quarantine conditions allow, the Elite will join the next Terrific 12. Beyer welcomed Blackwater’s participation, particularly as Sy is a strong East Asia Super League supporter. Playing behind closed doors is better than not playing at all, said Sy. “At the moment, we have no choice,” he said. “Safety of everyone is a priority.”  Blackwater has retooled its lineup with eight new players under new coach Nash Racela and is tipped to make a breakthrough this season.

Beyer said in China, the pro league may resume in late June or early July with teams back in training.  “Some CBA teams have imports in China but others, none so the question is whether to continue the league with imports or without,” he said. “Right now, there are 15 of 38 imports in China. Shanghai has an advantage because its three imports Donatas Motiejunas, Jared Cunningham and Ray McCallum are all in China.  Some imports had a chance to fly in but opted not to. Korea is in its offseason but players are practicing, they practice all year round. Japan is on break. Taiwan finished its season.”

Sy said the PBA Board of Governors will re-convene in August to decide whether to resume the 45th season with just the Philippine Cup or cancel the entire schedule. “Nothing is definite,” he said. “We’ll wait for government directives to find out when we can resume practice and when we can reopen the season.”