Like a barnstorming candidate, PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa, on a campaign for a more consultative officiating scheme, is one-third through with his whistle-stop tour of the 12-team electorate and is gearing up for a sweeping visit of the last eight ballclubs in the next two weeks.
The PBA’s 41st season unfolds on Oct. 18 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with Narvasa eyeing faster, action-filled and more electrifying games that won’t be mistaken for a “wrestling match.”
Along with deputy commissioner Rickie Santos, Narvasa has visited the practices of San Miguel Beer, Barangay Ginebra, Barako Bull, which took the place of the Meralco Bolts who are currently in the States, and the Star Hotshots.
With SMB were PBA chairman Robert Non and coach Leo Austria; the Kings had coach Tim Cone asking questions; the Energy had coach Coy Banal clearing up matters, while rookie mentor Jason Webb was with the Hotshots.
With Narvasa and Santos were D-League tournament director Eric Castro, former PBA referee Boy Cruz, now the D-League supervisor of officials, and three active PBA umpires.
Blackwater and Leo Isaac, fresh from a tournament in Malaysia, are tentatively scheduled for Monday.
Up next are Talk ‘N Text and Jong Uichico, Rain or Shine and Yeng Guiao, Alaska and Alex Compton, Mahindra with Manny Pacquiao, Globalport with Pido Jarencio, NLEX with Boyet Fernandez and Meralco with Norman Black.
The 45-minute to 1 ½-hour sessions feature a video presentation of specific “play situations” which the PBA will henceforth be on the look out for.
“We showed how the calls will be made from now on and from there nag-evolve na ang discussions,” said Santos.
“The response to the coaching philosophy being introduced by the commissioner is very positive.”
On Narvasa’s instruction, focus will be made on “post plays and llegal picks,” Santos said.
“Importante yon sa kanya.”
A “new classification of personal fouls,” which could touch on fouls that intentionally disrupt the flow of the game as in fast breaks or on drives to the basket, will also be presented to the board of governors for approval.