ACROSS Asia, basketball has evolved in multifarious ways, leading to the birth of the East Asia Super League.
In its ninth year, EASL returned to Macau, where it had many of its 'firsts,' for the Final Four pitting the Hiroshima Dragonflies and Ryukyu Golden Kings of the Japan B.League against Chinese Taipei's New Taipei Kings and Taoyuan Pilots.
While the two-day showcase is sold out, reflecting the growing interest among hoops fans in the continent, EASL CEO Henry Kerins revealed that the presence of more Philippine teams and Filipinos fans could have made it better.
READ EASL Final Four turns into a Japan vs Chinese Taipei face-off
“We’re sold out, a lot of fans from Japan are flying in, but if we had PBA fans, we’d have to probably set up a tent somewhere, some for viewing,” Kerins said.
Both Philippine bets from the PBA, the Meralco Bolts and San Miguel Beermen, both failed to advance to the playoffs, but Kerins had seen enough to be impressed by the game's popularity in the country and its massive following.
“You can’t compare it [Filipino fans], I’ve spent more time in the Philippines than any other market. Fans are extroverted and it’s unique. Japan is following in terms of fan experience.”
Sharing his observation of the Filipino basketball market, Kerins lauded its appreciation of the game, its players, and bits and pieces, and he views its role as pivotal for the growth of basketball in the region.
That the EASL executive is familiar with Philippine basketball is no surprise, having been introduced to it and the ‘Big J’ growing up in Hong Kong, where hundreds of Filipino workers gather to play on their days off.
“I grew up in Hong Kong, played street basketball in Hong Kong, when I was a kid, I’d always see a Jaworski jersey on the court, and I’d be like, ‘Who is that?’ and it translated into understanding it,” he said.
Kerins added: “Working with Philippine basketball the last seven years, you can’t avoid these names, you got legends all over the place. It’s a rare place in the world with that legacy across generations.
"Not many places in the world, frankly outside the US, and the Philippines has that. And for me to experience that, it’s something I’m grateful for.”
Talking Jaworski legacy, Kerins hopes to see powerhouse Ginebra take its act to the EASL someday.
"That's a one-of-a-kind team. We want the best, other teams want the best, the Filipino fans want the best. We'd be honored, and would love to have Ginebra be part of this. We'll see how the cookie crumbles."
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