By Charles Dantes
PHILIPPINE Basketball Association Commissioner Willy Marcial promised fans and the media that a brighter future awaits the nation’s number one basketball league during the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Wednesday at the Tapa King-Araneta Center, Cubao.
The weekly forum between sports personalities and sportswriters turned into a much lighter discussion as Marcial, the known press darling that he is, shared his insights on how to get fans back to watch and support PBA again.
“Ang vision ko ay maibalik ang mga fans natin,” said Marcial.
He wants players to be more close to the fans, citing the likes of great PBA cagers, Robert Jaworksi and Alvin Patrimonio as the best example of players treasuring their faithful fans.
“Sumikat sila Alvin (Patrimonio) at Senator (Robert) Jaworski kahit alas-diyes na ng gabi na kumakamusta pa din sa mga fans,” said Marcial.
Other than the plan to reinvigorate PBA, Marcial also took notice of the officiating of game officials and unity between players and referees.
On Sunday, Marcial implemented a way for fans to further understand PBA rules by letting technical director Eric Castro speak during the post-game interview and explain the technicalities involved during the endgame confusion that marred the San Miguel-Barangay Ginebra Philippine Cup encounter.
“Basta may controversial call na technicality at hindi judgment call, papupuntahin ko si Eric to explain everything,” said the 56-year-old Marcial, who began his career in the league as statistician and panel scorer back in the 1980s.
“At least magkakaroon na ng idea ang lahat, including the fans, kung ano talaga ang rules ng liga. Hindi ‘yung puro haka-haka lang. But lahat naman ‘yun (calls) ire-review namin kinabukasan,” he said.
Marcial, the long-time head of the league’s External Affairs and Communications department and former assistant to the commissioner, disclosed he’s set to meet with all 12 coaches within the week to discuss and get their inputs about officiating.
Asked about the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League organized by Sen. Manny Pacquiao, Marcial answered that there is no problem between the two basketball leagues.
“Okay tayo diyan, maraming opportunities ang players natin. Marami tayong mabibigay na trabaho, hindi lang players, coaches at pati na din ball boys,” he explained.
