A compressed, season-ending Governors' Cup and a two-month, pre-season mini-tournament.
That's what the PBA laid down for a busy 2023 as it braces for the country's campaign in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games and the FIBA World Cup.
In a board meeting held just before the weekend, Commissioner Willie Marcial said it was agreed upon by the Board led by chairman Ricky Vargas, to condense the schedule of the Governors' Cup to give the Philippine men's basketball team time to prepare for the SEA Games in Cambodia where the Filipinos are on a mission to regain the gold.
And then by the middle of the year, a mini-tournament that serves as warm up for Season 48 will be held in a two-month span that finishes just before the country co-hosts the World Cup by August.
Except for Atty. Bill Pamintuan of Meralco, all members of the Board were all accounted for during the meeting, according to Marcial.
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"Baka tayo pa rin ang sumali sa SEA Games," said the commissioner. "Baka maglaro tayo ng Thursday or may triple header. Kailangan bilisan natin para mabigyan ng time na makapag-practice (ang national team) bago mag SEA Games."
Shortly after the SEA Games, the mini-tournament kicks off from June to July.
"Magkakaroon tayo ng mini-tournament and matatapos siguro within two months. Parang pre-season tournament," Marcial said.
"Gagawin natin yun para masuklian naman kasi yung owners natin. Nawala na nung COVID (several conferences), tapos mawawala pa ng apat na buwan."
The pre-season will have a television coverage, while Marcial added the Commissioner's Office is still considering the feasibility of holding games out of town.
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During the meeting, it was also discussed the possibility of PBA ballclubs open to facing national teams that are camping out here or in nearby countries in a friendly.
Marcial said he will talk to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) about the prospect.
"Kung meron ibang bansa na magka-camp dito for World Cup na hindi natin ka-grupo, baka puwede nating laruin," added the Commissioner. (RG)
