Author: Ernesto Soliven
The Philippine Basketball Association is set to usher in the Governors’ Cup on August 18. Aside from a fresh batch of rookies, classic rivalries, and returning and new imports, there’s also something fans can look forward to new tournament groupings and a new format.
PBA’s New Format and Groupings
In hopes of revitalizing Asia’s oldest basketball league, PBA decision-makers unveiled a new format for the 2024 Governors’ Cup. 12 teams have been divided into two groups with TNT Tropang Giga, Meralco Bolts, Magnolia Timplados Hotshots, Converge FiberXers, Terrafirma Dyip, and NorthPort Batang Pier in Group A, while Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, San Miguel Beermen, Rain or Shine Elastopainters, Phoenix Fuelmasters, NLEX Road Warriors, and Blackwater Bossing are in Group B.
Teams in each group will compete twice in a double round-robin format. Meanwhile, the top four seeds will face each other in crossover playoffs where the top seed is pitted against the fourth seed while the second and third seeds battle each other in a Best-of-5 series. The semifinals and finals series, on the other hand, will be played in a Best-of-7 format.
PBA Predictions: Winners in Each Group
Under the new format, there would be no Ginebra-Magnolia Clasico game until the playoffs provided each team gets to clinch a top-4 spot in their respective groups. There are also two blockbuster games in each group pitting heavyweights under the MVP group TNT and Meralco in group A while the SMB-Ginebra clash awaits fans in group B.
Group A
Top Two Teams Predictions:
- Meralco Bolts: Fresh off winning the franchise’s first championship, Meralco, led by Allen Durham, is expected to top Group A.
- TNT Tropang Giga: Close behind Meralco, TNT is anticipated to be a strong contender.
With their consistent performance, Meralco, bolstered by returning and former Best Import recipient Allen Durham, is expected to lead Group A. TNT Tropang Giga, which is projected to be a close second. Magnolia, despite losing key players like Jio Jalalon and Abu Tratter in a trade, has strengthened its roster with the addition of Zavier Lucero, giving them a competitive edge. Meanwhile, Converge FiberXers, having secured prized rookie Justin Baltazar, will face challenges until he can join the team after his commitments with the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the MPBL. NorthPort and Terrafirma, both teams with potential, will need to leverage their experienced players like Christian Standhardinger and Stanley Pringle to overcome their group’s stiff competition.
Group B
Top Two Teams Predictions:
- San Miguel Beermen: Expected to take the top seed with the continued dominance of June Mar Fajardo.
- Barangay Ginebra San Miguel: With new additions and Justin Brownlee’s return, Ginebra is likely to secure a high position.
Under Group B, San Miguel Beermen is poised to claim the top seed, driven by the unstoppable June Mar Fajardo. Barangay Ginebra, with key additions like Stephen Holt and Isaac Go, and the return of Justin Brownlee, is anticipated to be a strong contender. Rain or Shine, having just won the Kadayawan Invitational championship, is well-positioned to challenge the top teams. Blackwater Bossing and Phoenix Fuelmasters have the potential to surprise fans, especially with strategic plays from Coach Jeff Cariaso. However, NLEX Road Warriors will rely heavily on MVP candidate Robert Bolick to navigate the season’s challenges, making the development of rookie Jonnel Policarpio crucial for their campaign.
Fan Reactions and Insights
Those who dwell on fantasy basketball will be in for a treat this season as a talent-laden batch of rookies is in for a big debut. A few shakeups via trades keep things interesting, especially if top dogs such as Ginebra and Magnolia are involved.
Meanwhile, we asked some diehards with Real Fan Quiz questions about their thoughts on the new format. Joseph Mercado, a supporter of the Bolts, thinks the groupings could have been based on the standings of teams last season. And if given the chance, Mercado would get rid of games with no consequences. Such instances happen if the seeds have already been decided.
Andrew Ong, who supports Ginebra, believes the key this season for Barangay is not the new players but Justin Brownlee. After spending time away from the PBA, expect Ginebra’s savior to prove once again that he remains the standard among imports and the championship would have to go through his team.
Alaska fan turned member of Purple Nation of Converge, Val Nacion, hopes the team’s import is a reliable scorer and leader who can take the heavy lifting in the absence of top rookies. But based on the team’s recent performance in the Davao tournament, it looks like another long season for the Converge FiberXers.
*Cover photo sources: PBA official website
