MANILA, Philippines — The PBA hopes to iron out some kinks in officiating to be able to forge a truly Filipino brand of basketball and newly installed commissioner Willie Marcial is expected to play a major role in the scheme.
This is among the immediate concerns the PBA board of governors tasked Marcial, who was named the league’s 10th commissioner Thursday.
“We’ll have a little bit of FIBA, a little bit of NBA. Putting it together, we have Larong Pinoy,” said PBA board chairman Ricky Vargas.
Vargas credited Marcial for changes in the officiating that has led to a better appreciation of the game by the fans.
“The challenge is to exactly tell the coaches the boundaries of the calls, what’s allowed and what’s supposed to be done. Once it’s settled, we’ll have a better understanding (of the current PBA officiating),” Vargas pointed out. “What’s good is what the social media say – the PBA is back.”
To strengthen the PBA as a brand and to further improve ties between the PBA and the SBP/Gilas Pilipinas are the other factors seeking immediate attention from the new league top man.
“I want the PBA brand improved so that not just one, two or three teams could draw the fans. I want PBA games loved and watched with excitement by the fans,” said Marcial.
He plans to hire a marketing specialist to beef up the PBA Commissioner’s Office personnel.
The board itself tasked Marcial to strengthen the PBA organization, especially the personnel working under the commissioner.
“The board has mentioned to Willie that he’s free to look for help. It’s better that way so we’re assured that we have a future in the PBA organization from within,” said Vargas.
“We’ll work with him in finding the right people who will be working with him in the organization,” Vargas added.
Meanwhile, the board has approved the proposal to lift the restrictions on the number of players a team can lend to Gilas.
It means Gilas coach Chot Reyes can have the core of the star-studded San Miguel Beer, Ginebra or any other PBA team to form Gilas.
