THE Philippine Basketball Association is headed in a new direction in terms of its All-Star festivities for the upcoming season.
Following the lackluster attendance during last season’s All-Star activities, the league board thought that a change can help boost interest in the annual gathering of stars as a regional concept is set to be in place for the upcoming 42nd PBA season.
The North versus South format will be scrapped and instead will be replaced by a week-long event that will pit the biggest names from the country’s biggest regions.
It was new PBA board chairman Mikee Romero who thought and pushed for the theme in the league’s four-day planning that concluded just last Sunday in Seoul, Korea.
“That’s the concept that we’re leaning on. It’s Commissioner Chito Narvasa’s assignment to come up with the final set-up,” said Romero.
“I really want a regional theme for the All-Star. The point is for regional fans to be able to connect with the All-Star.”
The competing All-Star teams will most likely include Kapampangans, Bicolanos, Visayans, Ilocanos, Metro Manila star and Fil-Ams in a mini All-Star tournament which will be toured around the country.
Another change that was agreed upon by the board is that there will be no more handicapping system for imports.
It will be a level playing field as ceilings of 6-foot-10 and 6-foot-5 reinforcements in the Commissioner’s Cup and the Governors’ Cup, respectively, are to be followed by all teams.