A possible comeback for the 2023 PBA Commissioner’s Cup runner up Bay Area is already in the works for the upcoming season, Commissioner Willie Marcial shared on Saturday, May 20.
The league top executive confirmed that they are already in talks with the Dragons for a possible return during an interview with former PSC commissioner Noli Eala in his Power and Play program.
“Sinusubukan din natin, tingnan natin kung maibabalik natin ang Bay Area dito sa conference na ‘to. Two conferences lang kasi eh,” said Marcial.
Details of the plan are still being ironed out but the return of Bay Area would certainly bring more competition to the PBA after it went all the way to finals in its first foray to the Philippine shore.
Spearheaded by NBA caliber imports in Myles Powell and Andrew Nicholson, Bay Area took the PBA by storm, breaking records and putting up explosive performances that would eventually see them battle against Justin Brownlee and eventual champions Barangay Ginebra in the historic Game 7 of the Finals.
The marquee duel between the formidable guest team and the crowd darlings was witnessed by a record crowd of 54,589 attendees.
However, if plans push through, the team might need to choose only one from its two imports.
“Ang concern lang dito ay kung magkakasundo tayo with the team, kung magkakasundo ‘yung mga proseso, kung okay sila sa mga kondisyon natin,” said Marcial.”
“Maraming factors pero katulad ng Bay Area, gusto ring bumalik. So aayusin natin ‘yung imports, ‘di na pwede ‘yung dalawa,” he added.
