By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

AMID the impasse currently besetting its leadership, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is pushing through with Season 43 this weekend.

Showing a “united” front at a press conference held at the Okada Manila yesterday, the league, with all 12 teams represented, said the new season of the PBA is to kick off on Sunday, Dec. 17, as scheduled even as it said all stakeholders are working and bent on resolving the conflict among the league officials.

“Happy to see all teams represented here. Dec. 17 is still the D-Day for the start of Season 43,” said outgoing board chairman Mikee Romero of GlobalPort Batang Pier in yesterday’s press conference.

“The PBA is here. It’s hard to imagine the country without the PBA. It’s business as usual. Let the games begin,” he added.

The league board members are currently divided on the standing of PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa.

Seven teams, namely TNT KaTropa, Alaska Aces, Blackwater Elite, Meralco Bolts, NLEX Road Warriors, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and Phoenix Petroleum Fuel Masters, citing “lost of confidence” over “questionable” decisions of Mr. Narvasa of late, are calling for his outright resignation.

Five teams — San Miguel Beermen, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings, Magnolia Hotshots, Kia Picanto and GlobalPort — meanwhile, are batting for Mr. Narvasa’s retention until due process has been done.

Despite the quagmire, incoming chairman Ramoncito Fernandez of NLEX promised an exciting Season 43 for the country’s pro league.

“Expect a more exciting year for the PBA. We want to continue delighting the fans and stay relevant,” Mr. Fernandez said.

Also yesterday, the league announced that it posted a 3% increase in gate receipts in Season 42 from the previous season.

FAVORITES
Meanwhile, San Miguel, Barangay Ginebra and TNT were consensus teams to beat in the season-opening All-Filipino Cup.

Citing an intact lineup and good showing in the previous conferences, the three were top-of-mind choices by most of the teams when asked for their thoughts on the upcoming tournament.

Season 43 starts off with the traditional parade of teams and opening ceremonies at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to be followed by the lone game between defending champion San Miguel and Phoenix at 6:45 p.m.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR