THE 41st season of the Philippine Basketball Association was officially underway, with new Commissioner Chito Narvasa promising better officiating.
Asia’s first play-for-pay league opened its new season with a colorful ceremony and parade to kick off the Philippine Cup yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
All 12 teams and their respective governors paraded along with their beautiful muses, while PBA officials officially opened the new season and its opening All-Filipino conference.
PBA President and CEO Chito Salud, Commissioner Narvasa and Chairman Robert Non led the entire league in opening and welcoming the new season.
Narvasa vowed to the basketball-loving nation that the season ahead is something to look forward to.
“The PBA has become an essential part of Filipinos’ every day lives. The PBA always manages to grow due in large to the loyal following from its fans. We promise better and more exciting games and to also build more basketball heroes this season,’’ said Narvasa.
The veteran basketball official then went on that under his watch, officiating will be handled accordingly and will be better.
“The officiating will be more understood and more appreciated. The calls will be consistent,’’ said Narvasa.
Smart Gilas Pilipinas was also recognized as the National team was saluted after the parade as highlights from its silver medal finish in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship were shown.
The players from Smart Gilas were all called out for more recognition.
Non, as chairman, was the one who officially declared the new season open.
Performances from Ogie Alcasid, who sang a prayer-song, as well as Asia’s Got Talent grand winner El Gamma Penumbra, rappers Abra and Aya and Junior New System and Buganda dance groups also spiced up the ceremonies.
Games Friday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum):
4:15 p.m. – Blackwater vs. NLEX
7 p.m. – Talk ‘N Text vs. Alaska
