Next PBA season to start after Asiad

MANILA, Philippines — The PBA Board of Governors has approved the recommendation to start the 48th season after the Asian Games set in Hangzhou, China, on Sept. 23-Oct. 8 in light of Gilas head coach Chot Reyes’ proposal to enlist pros for the continental competition.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said anticipating a conflict in schedule with the next UAAP and NCAA seasons, Reyes won’t be able to recruit collegiate players. With the existing Gilas pool of 24, Reyes could deploy 12 for the FIBA World Cup on Aug. 23-Sept. 10 and another 12 for the Asian Games. Jordan Clarkson will lead Gilas in the World Cup with Justin Brownlee likely to take over the naturalized player’s slot for the Asian Games.

Marcial said the next PBA season will begin in October after the Asian Games with the draft to be held in September. The 48th season will be reduced to two conferences, the Philippine Cup and either the Commissioner’s or Governors’ Cup. In the board meeting last Tuesday, Marcial reported on the draft for “PBA ESports Bakbakan,” a collaboration of the PBA and Dark League Studios. Marcial said this Monday’s Robinsons Manila event will feature the trappings of a traditional PBA draft with call-outs and outfitting of team jackets. The first online game in the inaugural season is Mobile Legends: Bang with the 12 PBA franchises represented by two PBA players, two gaming influencers, one student from 12 selected universities and three fans. The influencers will be chosen in the draft with over 3,500 applicants trimmed to a pool of 70.

Marcial recently attended a charity event staged by the Chinese Embassy, LFJoy Foundation and EASL to benefit over 100 kids at the Kerry Sports Gym in Shangri-La at The Fort, BGC. Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian, Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, LFJoy Foundation chapter president Wei Zhao, Bay Area coach Brian Goorjian and the Dragons were at the event which featured demos of basketball drills, teaching of kids, three sets of mini-5x5 games, indigenous dances and distribution of school supplies, food and snacks.