I don't want to research and write about minute details about this basketball league. But I will share here in this blog that I miss the old tournament.
When I was a young boy--probably around two years old--I started watching basketball games (sports in general; I think Bata Reyes and Bustamante where masters of pool during this time). It think the league started in 1998 (okay I did a little research on Wiki), and I recall watching the very first MBA game that was held in Pangasinan.
Based in Cebu, I rooted for the Cebu Gems. I would describe the Gems' brand of basketball as rugged. I also remember the Gems losing to the Manila Metrostars that day.
It hurt.
In fact, I recall that the Cebu Gems never had an imposing and dominating presence during the league's short stint. There was one playoff series with the Negros Slashers, when the Gems were up 3-1, only to be beaten by the Slashers thrice straight, 4-3. The Slashers went on to win the Southern Conference title.
It hurt.
The following year, the Gems made it to the finals. Only to lose against the Metrostars.
It hurt.
So maybe part of this re-emergent desire for the MBA to be back was rooted how the Gems can't seem to be a great team. Well, in our defense dynasties need time to be formed! The league only lasted a good four-five years, I think.
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| Some computer-generated design off the internet |
I remember good times from then. Like, I remember Felix Belano of the Davao Eagles who was the first one who was able to accomplish a quadruple-double! I don't remember the exact statistics but that was a sick feat. I also recall Alex Compton teaching his "L-T" way of shooting (it's tough to explain here), and of course, I remember how, unfortunately, Cebuano fans pelted the court with water bottles after an official decision was met with disgust.
I remember some of the Gems players: Hontiveros, Wainwright, Mitchell, Tan, Padilla, Almonte, Manigo--who had this crazy moniker: The Mask--and their coach Yturri.
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| The Mask |
That was about 15-16 years ago.
The MBA has long but died, but the spirit of basketball in the country is stronger than ever. (I couldn't help that line from sounding like a lift from a cliche draft of a eulogy, but anyway). In recent years, the Smart Gilas project was formed under the eye of Manny V. Pangilinan. This program tried to put up the best basketball team in the country to represent the Philippines in international tournaments.
The biggest project to date would the FIBA World Cup happening in Spain, August 2014. The team will be comprised of selected PBA players handpicked by veteran coach Chot Reyes. I follow the Gilas games as much as possible and I can say they're an inspiring bunch.
One highlight would be when MVP brought NBA SUPERSTARS here in the PH during the NBA lockout season. Bryant, Durant, Rose, Paul and Harden were among the stars that were present that year (was that 2012?). The Gilas squad brought their game and didn't wither in front of the superstars. For them, to have fun was to be competitive. They would have lost anyway, but the squad tried anyway. That alone is inspiring.
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| The NBA stars surround the Pambansang Kamao, Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao |
Anyway, with these sound developments about basketball in the country, maybe the MBA won't ever be re-introduced. It's way easier said than done. The current Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is backed by teams sponsored by multi-million peso companies. By the end of the day, money talks.
But anyway, allow me to think out loud and enumerate a few reason why I think the MBA could flourish better if it were launched these days. All of this is childish talk that won't be backed up by figures. Just jam along if you dare.
1.) Plane tickets are cheaper
When Cebu Pacific decided to offer "piso fares," people in this entire country probably booked more flights than ever. Cebu Pacific could easily be a major sponsor for tournament. Then schedules could be arranged to make it less of a hassle for the teams.
2.) Social media marketing will be a blast
It's no secret. People identify themselves better by rooting for their hometown than rooting for a brand. If these brands decide to "adopt" a province, they could do a whole lot when it comes to online marketing. They could sell jerseys, they could upload videos, they could just post whatever online for the audience to gobble up. Today, the PBA has basketball fans watching. The MBA will even have non-sports fans rooting for their hometown team. (But now on second thought, what if a particular brand/team, beats every hometown else--would that mean no sales of the winning brand in those locations? Haha)
3.) PH has placed itself in the basketball map of the world
For starters, qualifying for this year's FIBA World Cup is no easy feat. We are the second best basketball team in Asia and one of the top 24 in the world.
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| PH in top 24 of World Basketball |
Also, the biggest basketball league in the world, the NBA, is not alien to the fact that Filipinos are a basketball-crazy lot. And Filipinos in turn, are very up to date with how the NBA is run. If the MBA were present today, it can easily learn a thing or two from how the NBA is run. We never know, the Stephon Marburys or Tracy McGradys of the NBA may end up in the MBA instead of some league in China.
4.) Local, regional development will be encouraged
With the games happening all over the country, grassroots development is sure to follow. Perhaps it could start with a stellar coliseum per province. Tourism will have another cash cow besides beaches and hills; this time, it would be basketball. Pinoy fans are crazy about basketball. I'm sure every team with homecourt advantage will have the best fans in the world rooting for them.
5.) Better opportunities for players all over the PH
It's not that the present system isn't doing enough scouting players with potential. But placing professional games in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will inspire generations to train and excel in the sport. The "selection pool" to highlight players from would be much larger. Little kids will grow up with hometown heroes. These kids will grow up wanting to be the best in the game.
On a side note, the tournament may prove educational too. It's some sort of national tour that is broadcast on television. See? Deped and DOT should check this out! Haha.
So there it is, let me know what you think! Cheers!
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