SMART Araneta Coliseum’s flooring has taken a beating with repeated installation and removal of the PBA's much ballyhooed four-point line.
But for the league's part, it’s an endeavor that’s worth taking as it embraces this new innovation for the 49th season.
“Walang problema sa amin yan,” said PBA commissioner Willie Marcial. “Nag-commit kami sa bagong rules at nirerespeto din namin yung mga ibang liga na lumalaro sa mga playing venues namin.”
Putting the 27-foot line has been a tedious process for the league, with workers installing the line the night before games and removing it immediately if other leagues have schedules on the aforementioned flooring.
Marcial said that this has been the norm even for provincial games.
“Matagal na proseso yan kaya the night before, kinakabit na namin. Tapos ganun din 'pag tatanggalin,” he said.
Even if these lines are removed, the marks are still evident on the court, especially at Araneta Coliseum, as seen in other leagues such as the UAAP.
But that doesn’t mean the PBA isn’t accountable for supposed damages, as it’s committed to install a fresh coat of varnish on the Big Dome floor once the current tournament ends.
All good from UAAP's end
Meanwhile, UAAP commissioner Xavy Nunag said that although the collegiate league has no issue on the presence of the four-point line, the agreement among coaches even before the start of the Season 87 basketball tournaments is to have no other markings on the court other than those found under FIBA guidelines.
“We have to honor what was agreed upon by the coaches and the competition committee,” he said in a short chat.
Jury's still out if the four-point line will continue to live on or not, but at least for Marcial, he’s confident on one thing: it’s a line that would last at Ynares Center in Antipolo.
“Nakapintura na sa kanila eh, so hindi na matatanggal yun,” he shared with a laugh.
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