PBA moves opening to November 5

PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has moved the opening of its 48th season from October 15 to November 5 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

League executives made the decision to give players who will be included in the national team for the upcoming Asian Games enough time to rest and recover.

“We have to give the players enough time to rest because making that sacrifice is not easy,” PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said in Filipino.

“We also want our teams to prepare well for the upcoming season.”

Marcial said the Draft Combine and the Rookie Draft will proceed as scheduled.

The Combine is set on September 12 and 13 at Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong City, while the Draft will be held on September 17 at the Market Market in Taguig City.

A record 128 Aspirants have applied for the Draft, including 31 Fil-foreign players.

Men’s basketball in the Asian Games will run from September 26 to October 6.