PBL may adopt regional format for coming season

Inspired by the success of the out-of-town games in the recent Challenge Cup, the Philippine Basketball League might push through with a "truly regional format" in the forthcoming 2003 season tentatively set to unfold March 23.

PBL Commissioner Chino Trinidad, guesting in the weekly PSA forum sponsored by Red Bull, AgfaColor and McDonald’s at the Holiday Inn Manila Pavilion, explained that he’s carefully studying the plan whereby teams will be divided into North and South divisions and with a respective champion in each division.

"We (PBL) cannot duplicate what the MBA did. First and foremost, it’s too expensive. A regional concept would be ideal at this time and we’re carefully studying such a format," said Trinidad.

"There are so many talents available, and the success of our out-of-games gives us more reasons to really go and expand further especially to the provinces," he added.

Trinidad said the league is currently negotiating with Dodong Bascon to make Bacolod one of the turfs of the PBL in the south together with Cebu through the Cebu Basketball federation (CBF) and Davao through member team Montana Pawnshop.

He also disclosed preparations for the coming season, focusing on the league’s thrust for PBL’s "20 Years and Beyond."

Aside from that, the PBL is also intensifying its commitment to the national flag as Trinidad expressed support to three of the Basketball Association of the Philippine’s (BAP’s) international endeavors — the Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) Men’s Championship in April, the Asian Basketball Confederation (ABC) Men’s Championship in September and the Southeast Asian Games in December in Vietnam.

Trinidad is closely coordinating with BAP vice-president Christian Tan with regards to PBL’s commitment to the national team’s endeavors — one of which is the suspension of the league’s operations in lieu of the RP team’s campaign for the SEABA crown this April.

The PBL is also planning to let the Aric del Rosario-mentored team play in a five-game exhibition duel with a San Francisco-based team, led by 23-year-old Mark Payton, younger brother of Seattle Supersonics All-Star guard Gary Payton, and managed by Bob Ante.