THE Philippine Basketball Association has moved the opening of its 48th season from Oct. 15 to Nov 5, 2023 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Executives of the league made the decision to give players who will be included in the national team for the Asian Games enough time to rest and recover.
“Hindi biro ang sakripisyo nila kaya dapat lang bigyan natin sila ng sapat na panahon para makapagpahinga,” explained PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial.
“Gusto rin natin makapaghanda ang mga teams para sa darating na season.”
Nevertheless, Marcial said the Draft Combine and the Annual Draft will proceed as scheduled.
The Draft Combine is set on September 12 and 13 at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong City, while the Annual Draft will be held on September 17 at the Market Market in Taguig City.
A record 128 Aspirants have applied for the Draft, including 31 Fil-foreign players.