PBA execs see ‘even’ playing field as new season begins

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There are no clear favorites for PBA executives as they see a level playing field with tested contenders rebuilding and upstarts now emerging as legitimate threats.

“Halos pantay-pantay na ang lakas ng mga teams, so I expect that this will be a great season again,” said chairman Mikee Romero on Monday in the league’s pre-season press conference at Makati Shangri-La.

Three different champions emerged from last season with San Miguel successfully defending its Philippine Cup title, Rain or Shine clinching its second franchise hardware in the Commissioner’s Cup, and Barangay Ginebra ending its eight-year championship drought with its Governors’ Cup conquest.

During the offseason, struggling teams also rebooted their lineups. NLEX signed up coach Yeng Guiao, Star and Rain or Shine swapping franchise players in Paul Lee and James Yap while bottom-feeding teams like Blackwater nabbing promising rookies.

The league also got the mandate from the Board of Governors to continue finding ways to make the games more exciting, something PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa wants to zoom in on.

“Our direction for this year is to focus on excellence, for the governors and owners to make the best teams possible, provide them with best resources possible for players to reward teams with undying loyalty, a passion to excel, a commitment to hard work with teamwork and constant improvement,” he said.

Romero is upbeat the 42nd season will be another successful one.

“Siguro ito na yung isa sa pinaka-exciting seasons ng PBA. We expect na ang PBA, bakbakan lang kami ng bakbakan dyan.”