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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider With new innovations, return of import, PBA governors see open race

With new innovations, return of import, PBA governors see open race

Published Aug 14, 2024 08:59 am

At A Glance

  • The change of format and the addition of new rules such as the four-point shot is also seen to impact the competition.

All-Filipino champion Meralco is joining perennial contenders San Miguel Beer and Barangay Ginebra as the heavy favorites to reign in the Season 49 opening PBA Governors' Cup.

The team governors, however, beg to differ: they see an equal battle for the title with teams going on major rebuilds in the preseason.

The officials said that they are expecting a balanced competition among the teams especially with the usual top dogs undergoing shakeup and the squads at the bottom getting their hands on key additions.

More than that, the change of format and the addition of new rules such as the four-point shot is also seen to impact the competition.

In the Governors’ Cup, teams are now divided into two groups with the Top 4 squads advancing to the playoffs. Unlike in the previous conferences, however, the twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals is scrapped and instead will be played in a best-of-five affair.

“Everybody has a chance. Wala nang twice to beat,” said PBA chairman and TNT governor Ricky Vargas 

“The teams are now given a chance. Sa quarters, the most important part of the tournament, best-of-five you get a better chance of adjusting. Best of seven ang semis and finals is best of seven,” he added.

On top of that, the return of imports also made the league more unpredictable.

“It is always difficult to gauge teams when import-laden (conference). A lot of it, the factor weighs heavily on the imports,” said Terrafirma governor Bobby Rosales.

“MVP and SMC teams will always be contenders for championship but the other teams can also give them a fight, depending on the import that they will have,” he added.

Rain or Shine governor Atty. Mamerto Mondragon also echoed the same sentiments, feeling that his Elasto Painters have the fighting chance against the big teams after adding players through the draft.

“Yung malaking team Ginebra, SMB, TNT, Meralcom yan ang magdodominate. Kami Rain or Shine pinalakas namin yung team, may key additions kami,” said Mondragon.

SMC sports director and Ginebra governor Alfrancis Chua, meanwhile, believes their longtime rival Meralco is one of the teams that has bigger targets on the back although he’s also seeing Blackwater as an emerging dark horse in this conference.

“Palakas ang Meralco kasi buo na yung team nila. SMB is always gonna be there. TNT babalik na rin yung import nila,” said Chua.

“Watching the practice games isang magandang panoorin ngayon ay Blackwater. They got a good import tally players. They got a good point guard. It's gonna be good for Blackwater,” he added.

Phoenix governor Atty. Raymond Zorilla, meanwhile, pleaded to the fans to give the league innovations the chance this conference and see first how it would impact the league.

“Let’s all give the innovations and changes the chance you can't please everyone,” said Zorilla.

“It’s a matter of adjustment to the new rules and innovation to be applied to the PBA. All the teams have become stronger and improved.

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