PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial. –INQUIRER PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Commissioner Willie Marcial sees a tough road ahead for the two PBA teams that will compete in the upcoming East Asia Super League Season.
The eventual finalists in the ongoing Philippine Cup will represent the PBA in the EASL scheduled for an October 12 tipoff where champion teams from other top-tier Asian leagues are participating.
“We’re going to face heavy competition in the EASL,” Marcial admitted during the EASL grouping ceremony at Shangri-La Fort in Taguig.
Korean Basketball League and Japan B.League champions Seoul SK Knights and Utsunomiya Brex, respectively, are part of the eight-team field.
“I’m expecting our teams to win the championship,” said B.League chair Shinji Shimada, whose league will also have the Ryukyu Golden Kings in the EASL.
P.League+ champions Taipei Fubon Braves are also in contention for the title and a massive $1 million prize.
Still, Marcial believes the PBA representatives will be in the thick of the fight.
“We’re so excited. We’ll give these other teams a run for their money,” Marcial said.