The Bay Area Dragons may have lost the Commissioner’s Cup to Barangay Ginebra in a guesting stint in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup, but they definitely left a giant imprint in the hearts of Filipino basketball fans.
It was a classic, hard-fought series that brought the best out of Barangay Ginebra, the league’s most popular squad, as it took the title with a Game 7 blowout with the help of its “Sixth Man”—the loyal multitude of fans that trooped to the mammoth Philippine Arena.
The record crowd that came was something the Dragons were not used to and they crumbled. But they definitely pushed the Kings to the limit, earning the raves of Filipino basketball fans.
“The Bay Area Dragons gave their all in the final battle versus the Barangay Ginebra. Despite falling short, these beasts introduced themselves on the floor and showed what it takes to create a series and team worth watching out for,” said
“Thank you also Bay Area Dragons, we Filipinos enjoyed watching what you’ve shown in the PBA FINALS. Much love. Come back soon,” said Markyzel Licot Penido.
Another fan, Joyce Dela Cruz,” also thanked the Dragons for making the conference tournament exciting. “Good luck on your next journey, you are always welcome here in the PH.”
You made the competition in the PBA into its higher form.
“Thank you for the beautiful game Bay Area Dragons,” said Marc Solicar.
Marc Enrile’s comment posed a challenge to the league. “You (Dragons) are a big boost to other teams in PBA and your team presence will give other players motivation to step up their game and work as a team not individually. PBA wake up! We need this kind of team and their competitiveness that gives an excitement to the game.”
EASL in Japan
Ginebra fan Rodien Perillo Feranco vowed to root for the Dragons in their next journey in the East Asia Super League. “Please come back! I am a fan of Ginebra but will root for you in the EASL.”
And there were a few who actually rooted for the Dragons and vowed to continue their support up to their next campaign.
“Heads up guys, I’m so proud of my team Bay Area Dragons. Even though the atmosphere is not on our side and we didn’t get the win, still we fought all the way and never gave up. See you in the EASL,” said Miel Masibay.
It’s not difficult to admire a hardworking, talented team like the Bay Area Dragons with the guys like former NBA player Miles Powell, Andrew Nicholson, Hayden Blankley, Kobe Lam, Glenn Yang, Zhu Songwei, and Chinese gentle giant Shu Chuanxing.
Some of their players have said something about the referees’ officiating in their Game 3 loss against the Kings, but they immediately apologized they were easily forgiven.
And what followed were hard-fought games that ended in a Game 7 blowout by Barangay Ginebra.
“To play in that kind of series is history,” said one Mark Getty. “PH supports and wishes u great games ahead in (your) EASL (campaign).”
The East Asia Super League (EASL) will stage the EASL Champions Week in Japan from March 1-5.
The league’s eight teams will come from different professional teams in the Asian region and they will battle for the inaugural title called Champions Week. The champion will get $250,000 in cash prize, followed by the runner-up which will bring home $100,000, and third place $50,000.
Representing the PBA are reigning Philippine Cup champion San Miguel Beer and runner-up TNT.