PBA dangles BCL Asia spot

More than the trophy, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) will be giving a spot in the FIBA Basketball Champions League (BCL) Asia to whoever will emerge as champion in the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial told DAILY TRIBUNE that they will reward the Commissioner’s Cup champion the right to represent the country in the BCL Asia that is set to kick off in June.

Disputing the title are the quarterfinalists in NorthPort, Magnolia, Barangay Ginebra, Meralco, TNT Tropang Giga, Converge and Rain or Shine.

“They told us initially that it will be in June but there is no venue yet,” Marcial said.

“We’re clarifying this with SBP (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas) when it’s going to be. If it’s June, the Commissioner’s Cup champion will play there.”

The PBA was supposed to send a representative to last season’s BCL Asia but decided to skip it after Marcial spoke to FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis.

Then known as the FIBA Asia Champions Cup, the last time the Philippines competed in the BCL Asia was when it sent the Bolts in 2018 in Thailand.

Reinforced by Allen Durham and Diamond Stone as well as locals Reynel Hugnatan, KG Cañaleta, Mike Tolomia and Baser Amer, Meralco made it all the way to the semifinal before bowing down to eventual champion Petrochimi of Iran, 74-79.

With the PBA also sending the Commissioner’s Cup and Philippine Cup champions for the East Asia Super League, Marcial believes this will help spread word about the league to other Asian countries.

“It’s good for them to see the brand of Philippine basketball and we can learn different styles of play,” Marcial said.

“The B. League wants to do an exhibition match here and we’re in talks about it. Korea wants it to so this is good.”