No computer for schedules

If you think the PBA schedule of games is done with the aid of a computer or some kind of software, it’s not. PBA deputy commissioner Eric Castro confirmed that the scheduling is made manually because of venue availability. For instance, in the Governors’ Cup which opened last Sunday, there are 32 playing days or 60 games up to Sept. 23, the end of eliminations. Smart Araneta Coliseum is hosting 12 days and Ninoy Aquino Stadium, 17 with three games set out-of-town. The provincial contests are Ginebra-Rain or Shine in Candon, Ilocos Sur, on Aug. 24, San Miguel Beer-NLEX in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, on Aug. 31 and Magnolia-Meralco in Panabo, Davao del Norte, on Sept. 7.

Because the PBA will give way to the FIBA Asia Cup qualifying window where Gilas faces New Zealand on Nov. 21 and Hong Kong on Nov. 24, both at home, the challenge of fitting the Governors’ Cup is even tougher. The plan is to wind up the conference on Nov. 17 at the latest to give coach Tim Cone a few days to prepare for the window. The limited preparation time is the reason why Cone decided to maintain a compact pre-determined pool. That way, the players whom Cone will call for practice are familiar with his system.

But wait, there’s more to consider. EASL opens its second home-and-away season on Oct. 2 while the Governors’ Cup is ongoing. Meralco and San Miguel Beer will represent PBA in EASL this season by virtue of winning the previous two conferences. If the Bolts and Beermen advance to the playoffs, there will be a conflict in their EASL assignments. Castro said adjustments will be made to accommodate the PBA and EASL.

That’s not all. Hong Kong Eastern is set to join the Commissioner’s Cup which opens on Nov. 27. Hong Kong will also play in EASL where 10 teams are assigned to see action in six regular season games up to February. Then, the top four finishers move on to the Final Four in March. So the PBA will tweak the schedules of San Miguel, Meralco and Hong Kong in the Commissioner’s Cup to allow for their EASL engagements.

Wait, there’s still more. The third FIBA Asia Cup qualifying window is on Feb. 20 and 23 next year so both the PBA and EASL will cease playing during this period. That will mean another adjustment. It’s a mammoth task to coordinate the schedules. No software can take in the variables and factors so the work is accomplished by hand. Castro said the challenge is daunting. But it’s like a puzzle that gamers like to unravel. For Castro, it’s something that has to be done for the PBA, FIBA and EASL to align and the end result is an exciting calendar of games for fans to enjoy.