Looks like Grandslam coach Tim Cone needs to start learning how to embrace something he hates.
PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa yesterday said he sees nothing wrong with the format which actually has been implemented even before he came on board.
Days after Ginebra was ousted by Globalport in Phase 2 of the quarterfinal round last week, Cone revealed to Spin.ph his dislike about the current format where a one game, knockout encounter awaits the four surviving squads after the eight-team, first phase quarterfinal playoffs of the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup.
“Mostly, I just wish we didn’t have single knockout games in the playoffs. That kind of format doesn’t reward the best team,” said Cone.
While Cone seemed jaded with the format, Narvasa finds it appealing.
“After looking into it, I actually find it interesting because first, it means you should be prepared. Every game counts so it’s good for the game and for the league,” said Narvasa. “When you reach that stage dapat prepared ka na.
There’s no slacking off. You should be ready playing at a certain level of excellence and that’s expected of every team.”
The current format has been in place since the time of the now-retired Chito Salud who came up with the set-up partly as the league’s way of freeing up more time for the national team where the PBA has lent most of its stars in past international tournaments.
“I might continue recommending it and dapat naman talaga. It makes the game exciting because now, every game counts. Unlike before, players are like, ‘ok I can have a bad game, bawi ako sa next game’,” said Narvasa.
Narvasa, who was appointed as the league’s newest commissioner before the start of the season, is confident the format would achieve its main purpose.
“The better team will qualify for the semis and the finals and the best team will be the champion team,” added Narvasa. (DENNIS PRINCIPE)