A TRULY UNITED FRONT
PBA team owners joined telecommunications tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan, president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, in rallying to the cause of the Gilas Pilipinas team competing in the 27th FIBA Asia Championship in August.
The corporate counterparts of the team owner of Talk ‘N Text and Meralco on Tuesday responded to the call for a united front in the continental tournament the country is hosting after 40 years by throwing their support to a proposal to reset for three months from May to August the Governors’ Cup, the third conference of the 2013 season.
This would give coach Chot Reyes’ national team roughly two months to prepare in its quest to land one of three berths to the 2014 World Cup in Spain, with the second conference Commissioner’s Cup, which kicks off Feb. 8, wrapping up last week of May.
In a written statement, the PBA said: “To counter the negative effects on the member-teams of the resulting protracted break between conferences, the second conference will be extended by adopting the format of the recently concluded Philippine Cup.
“In the meantime, regular Monday practices can commence for Gilas Pilipinas as soon as coach Chot Reyes finalizes the line-up of our team. Formal approval of these revisions by the PBA Governors will be on Feb. 7, Thursday, in a special Board meeting called for this purpose.”
PBA commissioner Chito Salud, who sought the support of all the team owners, was elated by the overwhelming response.
“I had a very positive and productive talk with our team owners. Not only have they agreed to lend their players, they readily okayed moving the third conference until after the FIBA Asia tourney,” Salud said.
“As I have said, when good men reason together, the outcome is inevitably beneficial to everyone. In this case, our owners placed national interest above all considerations. I am so proud of the PBA.”
Originally set for May 12 to July 28, starting five days after the All-Star Week in Digos, Davao del Sur, the Governors’ Cup will be moved to a date later in August after the Asian Championship which is set Aug. 1-11 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Governors’ Cup will run from August to late October, necessitating the need to lengthen the post-season break and reset as well the start of the 39th season.
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