The Philippine Basketball Association officially announced Hong Kong Eastern as the foreign guest team for the 2019 Season 49 PBA Commissioner's Cup. PBA new vice chairman Alfrancis Chua confirmed the decision during a press conference on Wednesday, August 14.
Chua added that negotiations regarding the entry of the Hong Kong-based team have been successful and that they are a “very strong team.” In addition to their entry, approximately three players from the now-disbanded Bay Area Dragons, the foreign guest team in the 2023 PBA Commissioner’s Cup will join Hong Kong Eastern’s squad along with an import.
It was also revealed that approximately three players from the now-disbanded Bay Area Dragons, who were the foreign guest team in the 2023 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, will join Hong Kong Eastern's squad. These players along with an import, are expected to enhance the team's performance in the league. This transfer of talent is likely to generate excitement among PBA fans who followed the Bay Area Dragons' journey last season.
Hong Kong Eastern has a rich history in Asian basketball, and their participation in the PBA is a significant milestone. Chua mentioned that this is the same team where Christian Standhardinger played before he joined the PBA. Standhardinger is now a key player for Barangay Ginebra, one of the most popular teams in the league. His success story adds to the anticipation surrounding Hong Kong Eastern's entry into the PBA.
However, there will be rules in place to ensure a level playing field. Chua emphasized that Hong Kong Eastern will have to adhere to the PBA’s height limit for imports. This is a response to concerns raised by several teams about the flexibility that the Bay Area Dragons had in changing their imports during the last season. The PBA is keen to avoid similar controversies this time around.
PBA chairman Ricky Vargas says the league will no longer impose a height limit for the Commissioner's Cup.
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) August 14, 2024
The Commissioner's Cup, Vargas adds, will like feature a guest team in Hong Kong Eastern. #PBA
Hong Kong Eastern's involvement in the PBA is not their only venture into top-tier basketball leagues this year. The team, along with the Macau Black Bears, has also joined the East Asia Super League (EASL) for the new season scheduled to start in October. This dual participation underscores Hong Kong Eastern's commitment to competing at the highest levels of Asian basketball. Their experience in the EASL will undoubtedly contribute to their competitiveness in the PBA.
With Hong Kong Eastern being the second foreign guest team in PBA history, expectations are high for their performance. The first foreign guest team, the Bay Area Dragons, set a high bar by reaching the Finals of the Commissioner’s Cup last season. Under the guidance of Brian Goorjian, the former head coach of the Australian men's basketball team, the Dragons became crowd favorites. Their journey to the Finals was nothing short of spectacular, culminating in a thrilling seven-game series against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
The Finals series between the Bay Area Dragons and Barangay Ginebra was a landmark event in PBA history. Game 7, held at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan, attracted a record-breaking crowd of 54,589 fans, the largest in PBA history. This incredible turnout is a testament to the excitement and passion that foreign guest teams can bring to the league. It also sets a high standard for Hong Kong Eastern as they prepare to make their mark in the PBA.
The inclusion of foreign guest teams like Hong Kong Eastern is part of the PBA's broader strategy to elevate the level of competition and expand the league's appeal. These teams bring a different style of play, new tactics, and international flair that can challenge local teams and entertain fans. The success of the Bay Area Dragons in capturing the hearts of PBA fans demonstrates the potential benefits of this approach.
However, the PBA is also mindful of maintaining a level playing field. The league's decision to enforce height limits for imports and regulate other aspects of the game is aimed at ensuring that foreign guest teams do not have an unfair advantage. This balance between welcoming international teams and protecting the integrity of the competition is crucial for the PBA's long-term success.
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