Just like prominent leagues such as the NBA and the EuroLeague, the Philippine Basketball Association held its first-ever Media Day on Thursday afternoon at The Tent at Solaire Resort and Casino in Pasay City.
All 12 teams – Alaska Aces, Blackwater Elite, Columbian Dyip, NLEX Road Warriors, San Miguel Beermen, Magnolia Hotshots, Ginebra, NorthPort Batang Pier, Meralco Bolts, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, TNT KaTropa, and Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters – were represented by their starters and newly-signed rookies.
Members of the press were able to mingle with the players and coaches, from those about to play for their new teams such as Poy Erram and Terrence Romeo, to top rookies such as talented guards CJ Perez and Robert Bolick.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial expressed his delight with the way things turned out on the Media Day.
“Maganda nga ang kinalabasan,” beamed the amiable executive.
“First time ever ‘to. Nag-brain storming kami. May nag-suggest nito at sabi ko ‘bakit hindi?’ Subukan natin at ito nga, maganda nga ang kinalabasan.
“Nakita niyo, nakausap niyo yung mga players and coaches na relaxed sila, na hindi after the game, pwede niyong tanungin kahit ano. At yung samahan ng media sa coaches at players, lalong gumanda,” Marcial furthered.
“Malaking bagay ‘to sa liga natin.”
Given the success of the Media Day’s very first staging, Marcial – who’s now entering his second term – revealed that from now on, it will be a tradition whenever a new season of Asia’s first-ever play-for-pay league begins.
“Every year na ‘to. Before the start of the season, gagawin natin ito.”
