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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider PBA teams can be contenders in EASL -- Goorjian

PBA teams can be contenders in EASL -- Goorjian

Published Mar 10, 2024 07:29 am

At A Glance

  • LAPU-LAPU CITY -- PBA teams can easily become a contender in the East Asia Super League if they just want it, according to former Bay Area Dragons head coach Brian Goorjian.

LAPU-LAPU CITY -- PBA teams can easily become contenders in the East Asia Super League if they push for it, according to former Bay Area Dragons head coach Brian Goorjian.


 

PBA Images17 (7).jpg
San Miguel and Magnolia can be contenders in the EASL according to Goorjian. (PBA Images)

Having experienced playing in the PBA when the Dragons participated in the Commissioner’s Cup last season, Goorjian believes that Philippine teams, especially powerhouses San Miguel, TNT, Magnolia and Ginebra, can also reach the level of basketball in the regional league.

“There’s no doubt in my mind, watching the games last night that the Philippine teams could win. San Miguel, TNT, these teams can come here and win,” said Goorjian.

The only question, however, according to Goorjian, is the willingness of the PBA teams to take on the challenges especially that that they are also at a disadvantage with the league’s two-import format.

As it stands, no PBA team was able to make it to the Final Four in Cebu City with Meralco and TNT only recording one win each through the six games in the eliminations.

“It’s just in the beginning stage how much attention you can put to it. You're allowed two imports, these teams play in their domestic leagues with two imports, the Philippines play one, that's a big (disadvantage),” said Goorjian.

“Looking at the Philippines, their local players can play with anybody. I thought it was the blend of the imports and how seriously do you take this,” he added.

Still for the experienced mentory, PBA teams can easily play through the disadvantage if it only fully commits to winning it all in the EASL – something that Goorjian expects to see from the Philippine teams in the coming seasons.

“I think when the Philippines come in here and say ‘hey we want to win this,’ we’re gonna take this seriously’ and I think that’s coming,” said Goorjian.

“I think the Philippines will take it more seriously and when they do they’re gonna be in this Top 4 doing some damage I really think that.

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