Despite the on-going leadership struggle in the league, there’s no stopping the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) from resuming operations, as Asia’s first pro league will open its 43rd season this Sunday, December 17.
“As what I said in the PBA Press Corps Awards Night, December 17 is still the date for the season opening of Season 43,” said league chairman Mikee Romero during the PBA’s presser, Wednesday afternoon at Okada Manila.
“Ang sabi ko nga ho eh hindi pwede mawala ang PBA sa Pilipino, or ang Pilipino mawala sa PBA.”
Gracing the event were the vast majority of the governors — Mon Fernandez of NLEX, Robert Non of San Miguel, Alfrancis Chua of Ginebra, Rene Pardo of Magnolia, Dickie Bachmann of Alaska, Mert Mondragon of Rain or Shine, Raymond Zorrilla of Phoenix, Silliman Sy of Blackwater, Bobby Rosales of Kia. Joining them were TNT assistant team manager Magnum Membrere and Meralco alternate governor Ryan Gregorio.
And for those who attended the press conference, it was definitely a sight to behold, as it spoke volumes that even just for now, differences were set aside all for the betterment of the beloved league.
“I think we’re a very solid group at this point in time,” Romero opined. “As what we promised — that promise did not come from me, the promise came from all 12 teams… Ito pong December 17 suportahan natin. Business as usual.
“This Sunday, what we should be watching are the players, the superstars of Philippine basketball. 43 years, ang masasabi ko lang, let the games begin.”
The impasse wasn’t discussed during the presser, as the league requested moments prior to the event that the members of the press refrain from asking questions regarding the issue. Commissioner Chito Narvasa was in attendance, but did not grant any interviews.
With the league still in some turmoil, it is still a mystery on how the 43rd season will roll out. Vice Chairman Mon Fernandez did not go into detail about their plans, but he promised to “make the PBA very relevant to the Filipinos.”
“There are a lot of plans but we cannot reveal yet,” said the former NLEX governor. “Definitely, what the board promises you is we will have a more exciting year and we’ll continue to delight the millions of fans of the PBA.
“We promise that with your support, we will continue to make the PBA very relevant to the Filipinos.”
