Why PBA is a must-see

There are five solid reasons why the PBA’s 33rd season, opening today in spectacular rites at the Araneta Coliseum, is a can’t-miss proposition for sports fans.

First, the introduction of “international” rules. It’s no secret that the PBA was formed in 1975 as a carbon copy of the NBA. But with the dramatic changes in the way basketball is now played particularly on the FIBA stage where even NBA stars are sometimes at a disadvantage, the PBA decided to adopt a handful of exciting nuances from the global game.

Starting this season, the three-point line will be reduced from 22 feet to 20 1/2 in accordance with the FIBA distance. Hand-checking will be tolerated except when it impedes the progress of the offensive player. The ball is alive even if it’s still above the cylinder after hitting the ring in an attempt, ruling out offensive or defensive goaltending in case of interference. The penalty situation will carry over into overtime and the trapezoid lane will make a comeback from the NBA rectangle.

Additionally, PBA officer-in-charge Sonny Barrios is adding a rule where in the last two minutes of the fourth period, the second team foul will mean entering the penalty situation.

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Second, improved officiating. In his interim stint as commissioner, Barrios’ focus will be on upgrading the standards of officiating. It’s the one thing he’d like to leave behind after his brief term. Romy Guevara, an expert in FIBA rules, has been recalled as consultant and his inputs will be valuable in keeping the referees on their toes.

In the offseason, Barrios and technical manager Perry Martinez worked hard to clean up the referees’ ranks and they’ve assembled a strong corps of reliables to bring the league to a level of high-quality officiating.

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Third, new faces. One of the PBA’s exciting features is its dynamism. Players are constantly moving around as teams try to fortify their fences for the battles ahead. There are 22 rookies and 17 veterans in new uniforms this season.

Sta. Lucia Realty enlisted the most freshmen with 6-7 Philip Butel, spitfirish point guard Ryan Reyes, Dennis Daa, Melvin Mamaclay and Christian Coronel in the fold. Air21 is bringing in four rookies, namely, Chris Baluyot, J. C. Intal, Melvin Cruz and Doug Kramer.

Blue-chip rookies in the cast are Alaska’s Ken Bono and J. R. Quinahan, Magnolia’s Samigue Eman, Talk ’N’ Text’s Yousif Aljamal and Welcoat’s Joe DeVance and Ryan Arana.

Among the veterans who switched squads were Welcoat’s Nic Belasco, Magnolia’s Larry Fonacier, Purefoods’ Brandon Cablay, Barangay Ginebra’s Paul Artadi and Gilbert Lao, Coca-Cola’s Mark Telan and Egay Echaves, Sta. Lucia’s Joseph Yeo, Alaska’s Jun-Jun Cabatu, Talk ’N’ Text’s Kalani Ferreria and Air21’s Irvin Sotto and Gec Chia.

The entry of fresh blood has prompted the exit of former mainstays Jun Limpot, Vic Pablo, Andy Seigle, Gerard Francisco and William Antonio.

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Fourth, the comeback of the national cagers. In the last Fiesta Conference, the league missed the services of the stars who saw action in the FIBA-Asia Olympic qualifiers in Tokushima. Now, they’re back – with a vengeance.

Returning to their mother clubs are Danny Seigle, Kerby Raymundo, Jay-Jay Helterbrand, Mark Caguioa, Jimmy Alapag, Asi Taulava, Tony de la Cruz, Mick Pennisi, Ranidel de Ocampo, Eric Menk, Kelly Williams and Dondon Hontiveros.

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Finally, the balance of power. It’s difficult to single out which team is favored to clinch the crown. All 10 clubs are showing up with refurbished lineups. Talk ’N’ Text and Alaska seem to be the most formidable.

The Phone Pals made it to the finals of the Fiesta Conference last season despite the absence of Taulava, Ritualo and Alapag. And they came a three-point shot shy of taking the crown. Now that the three stalwarts are back, TNT becomes even more explosive. At least two teams were seriously trying to yank out Yancy de Ocampo from the Phone Pals roster but Pumaren stood behind his 6-8 center. Mac-Mac Cardona, Don Allado (newly signed to a three-year extension), Jay Washington and Harvey Carey give Pumaren plenty of depth. That’s not to ignore Aljamal, Egay Billones, Donbel Belano and Ferreria.

Alaska will benefit from the “international” rules because of its defensive orientation. Coach Tim Cone is gunning for two titles in a row with a mix of youngsters and veterans. MVP Willie Miller, Mike Cortez and Jeffrey Cariaso are the team leaders. Providing backup are Sonny Thoss, Reynel Hugnatan, John Ferriols and de la Cruz.