Legends 3-on-3 eyed to bring entertainment in between games
(From left to right) Former Purefoods stars Rey Evangelista, Jerry Codinera and Alvin Patrimonio should be a force to reckon with in a 3-on-3 game among legends. PBA Images
Some of the PBA’s all-time greats may again be strutting their stuff on the hardcourt.
Having the league legends play against each other in 3-on-3 matches is one of the innovations the PBA is seriously looking at in a bid to bounce back from a momentum-stopping season.
According to league Chairman Robert Non of San Miguel Beer, the proposal is among those being considered to fill up the long gap in-between games and provide more entertainment to the fans.
“For sure, hindi na maiinip ang mga fans and some could be lured back, especially those who want to see their former hardcourt heroes in action anew, kahit sandali lang,” explained Non, adding one-on-one duels among the league’s current players is another measure also being considered.
As a whole, however, the PBA is reverting to some time-tested format and will continue to look out for new innovations for the coming season that kicks off with the Philippine Cup on Oct. 18.
“We have to continually assess, evaluate and adjust,” said President Chito Salud, following a regular Board meeting Thursday.
“That is why the Board has instructed us to be on the lookout for innovations and solutions to the problems that may arise,” added Salud.
Also, as a show of support to the national team, Non proposed for the Board to go to China and cheer on the Gilas campaign in the FIBA Asia next month.
There were more immediate problems that needed tackling.
The PBA experienced a seven percent drop (equivalent to P18 million) in revenues last season, halting its steady rise in gross earnings since the 2010-11 season that culminated in a P248 million take in 2013-14.
The dip was chiefly attributed to diluted competition with the entry of two expansion teams, playing in smaller venues, short finishes in some playoff matchups, particularly in the semifinals, a five-gameday week, the almost one-hour break between games during weekdays and short breaks in-between conferences.
The Board unanimously agreed to give Kia and Blackwater more time to “incubate” and grow, like what the league did with the likes of Welcoat and Red Bull when they respectively came into the league. But the other problems have been addressed.
The teams’ representatives agreed to do away with games during Tuesdays and revert to the old playing schedule of Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays each week.
Saturdays are usually reserved for provincial games and should there be a need for games within Metro Manila on said day, those will be doubleheaders starting at 3 p.m.
“Patay talaga ang Tuesdays and we also have to consider the budget constraints among the fans kaya balik four days a week tayo,” said Non.
The governors also instructed Commissioner Chito Narvasa to draw up a schedule which limits games being played on venues outside of the Smart Araneta Coliseum and the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
For the 41st season’s format the Board also agreed to bring back the Asian imports introduced in the last season-ending Governors Cup while limiting the height ceiling for reinforcements in both the second and last conferences.
For the mid-season Commissioner’s Cup, 6-foot-9 has been pegged as the height limit of imports except for Kia and Blackwater, which will be allowed imports of unlimited height if they land in the bottom two of the Philippine Cup. Otherwise, the Elite and Mahindra Enforcers will also be limited to reinforcements standing no taller than 6-9.
In the Governors, the bottom four following the cumulative records in both the Philippine and Commissioner’s Cups can bring in imports no taller than 6-9 while the rest of the teams are limited to 6-5. The Asian imports again must not be taller than 6-3. (NC)
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