Exhibition Games Between PBA, Japan B.League Teams In The Works
Exhibition Games Between PBA, Japan B.League Teams In The Works
Blog Article
THE PBA and the Japan B.League are in talks to hold an exhibition game between a PBA team and Japanese counterpart in Manila sometime this year.
It is not yet known whether the exhibition will be part of the 50th Anniversary celebration of the PBA which is lining up several activities to commemorate its founding.
PBA chairman Ricky Vargas revealed during the press conference of the league’s unveiling of the 50th anniversary logo that exhibition games with the B.League has already been agreed upon.
“We are going to have games with the B.League of Japan,” said Vargas during the presser on Monday.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed that there are already discussions with the Japan B.League about holding exhibition games, but did not go into details as some of which are still being finalized.
“May plano. May talks pa kami. Ayaw pa muna magsabi ng B.League. May plano na baka exhibition game ang tinitingnan namin,” said Marcial in an interview with reporters after the press conference.
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Founded in 2016, the Japan B.League is now considered one of Asia's top professional leagues and has become a choice destination for young Filipino ballers, among them, Gilas standouts Kai Sotto, Dwight Ramos, and AJ Edu. Also playing in Japan are former PBA players Ray Parks and Matthew Wright.
The PBA, founded in 1975, holds the distinction of being the oldest professional basketball league in Asia.
The PBA and the Japan B.League have been strengthening their relations over the past few years. Recently, Marcial was invited to watch the B.League All-Star Game.
Marcial said there are also talks ongoing between the PBA and pro leagues from Mongolia and Korea, but the discussions with the Japan B.League are far more advanced.
The exhibition game is expected to be held in Manila, according to Marcial.
“Gusto rin ng ibang bansa katulad ng Mongolia at Korea. Tingnan natin. But as of now, moving forward kami sa B.League na makalaro natin dito,” said Marcial.
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Marcial said he was surprised Vargas mentioned the discussion with Japan which he said was confidential and ongoing.
“Confidential pa lang sa kanila. Sinabi na nga ni Chairman pero hindi ko mapigilan si Chairman, nasabi. Tingnan muna natin,” he added.
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