PBA chair expects big crowd in Finals despite absence of ‘popular’ teams

MANILA, Philippines – PBA chairman Pato Gregorio expects the Alaska-San Miguel Beer Finals duel for the 2015 PBA Philippine Cup title to have a huge turnout despite the absence of the league’s three most popular teams.

Barangay Ginebra, Purefoods and Rain or Shine emerged as the three most followed teams in a survey conducted by the league last year. And this conference marks the first time that none of the three franchises made the championship round since Talk ‘N Text ended defunct Powerade’s Cinderella run in the 2011-12 Philippine Cup.

Gregorio though, is optimistic that the best-of-seven duel won’t lack in crowd attendance.

“In my opinion, and I’m sure the Board of Governors will also agree that this is a classic matchup,” said Gregorio. “If you want to see good basketball, this is good basketball. The fans know that and in the next few days people will come and watch the games.”

“The people know what kind of basketball game San Miguel and Alaska have to show, especially the basketball aficionados know the quality of the game both teams play,” said San Miguel head coach Leo Austria.

Alaska coach Alex Compton echoed Austria’s thoughts and assured that all players from both teams will give the kind of basketball game fans want to see.

“You’ll see 15 players there, 15 players here putting their hearts on the floor. Whatever happens, we get swept, we lose or we win, the fans are going to see great basketball,” Compton said.

Game 1 of the Finals is on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.