PBL keeping balanced field for next season

In the light of the 2006 Unity Cup’s rousing success, Philippine Basketball League (PBL) officials are determined to keep its competitive balance come its 24th season later this year.

"The competitive balance in the PBL is as good as ever. That sends a good signal to everybody. And we hope to keep it that way," said PBL executive director Butch Maniego in the PSA Forum at the main function room of the Pantalan Restaurant in Manila, where he was accompanied by deputy commissioner Tommy Ong.

The PBL’s season-ending conference proved to be a blockbuster, capped by a thrilling best-of-five Finals between Harbour Centre and Toyota Otis played before a jampacked crowd at the Olivarez College Sports Center.

The Port Masters defeated the Sparks, 73-66, in the series that went the full route, to bag their first ever league championship.

The rise of Harbour Centre and Toyota Otis as the new powerhouse teams, according to Maniego, augur well for the PBL, especially at a time multi-titled Welcoat Paints is set to join the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

"Obviously, the PBL would not be the same without them (Welcoat). But based on the last finals, Harbour and Toyota have established themselves as the new powerhouse teams to look forward to," Maniego said in the public sports program sponsored by PAGCOR and Manila Mayor Lito Atienza.

Even with the departure of Welcoat, Maniego said they are still looking forward to having eight teams when its 2006-07 season begins in November.

The Welbest franchise, according to him, vowed to maintain a farm team within the PBL, which they will be managing along with a new partner.

Add to that, Maniego said the league is hoping to attract two or three more teams at the most to join member squads Harbour Centre, Toyota Otis, Montaña, Magnolia, Hapee-PCU, Granny Goose and Teletech.

"We’re looking forward to a more vibrant, more competitive and more teams joining us next season," he said.