The entry of Rain or Shine, one of the league’s smaller companies, to the finals of the 2012 Governors’ Cup is a good sign for the PBA, according to basketball officials.
“It’s fantastic,” said PBA commissioner Chito Salud. “It shows that hard work pays off.”
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barrios, a former league commissioner, said that the entry of a team like Rain or Shine, an independent squad, “is definitely good for the PBA.” The Elasto Painters are only one of three squads in the league that does not have a sister team, along with Alaska and Powerade.
The Tigers made the finals of the Philippine Cup earlier this year, ironically at the expense of Rain or Shine.
Former Powerade team executive JB Baylon said that the presence of independent teams among the ranks of title contenders is a good sign for the league.
“It demonstrates the competitiveness of teams which hopefully can be maintained by the commissioner,” he said.
“A more balanced league should be more attractive to the fans as it will be more exciting.”
source: interaksyon.com
