Basketball’s top 10

The year in basketball is winding down, as all major championships have been claimed. As we’re all distracted by last-minute shopping (or stewing in traffic), let’s look back at an eventful season.

Here are our picks for basketball’s top ten.

The NBN-Summit-PBA row. It all started with hope and promise, and may end up in court. NBN ended up owing IBC-13 some P74 million, and Summit has started an audit. Summit is building a case, while the network has reportedly lost the contract with the PBA. Both sides are hurling accusations at each other. This case will get worse before it gets better. Stay tuned.

BAPI vs. BAP At number nine, another year, another controversy. Nic Jorge finally got the court to back him up, and openly challenged the BAP to step down. The BAP is claiming the motive is personal, as if it mattered. Perhaps the bigger question is: who can do the job?

Crispa-Toyota redux. Twenty-one years after they last met, the league’s biggest draws clashed again. The sideshow overshadowed the All-Star Game itself, and Toyota got some measure of revenge. The game proved how enduring the rivalry is. They should take their show on the road.

Congressional investigations. Sound and fury, signifying nothing. After embarrassing several players (and themselves in the process) our legislators turned the matters of citizenship and drug use over to the pertinent authorities. After spending much public money and wrist-slapping, it all amounted to nothing. Next time, do it closer to the elections. It just reinforced lack of faith in politicians.

PBA format change. After all these years, the big league hitting two birds with one stone. Com. Noli Eala is helping side-step the popular college leagues, and stirring the public’s interest. A risky maneuver that just might turn the league around.

To be continued.

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