THE champions of the PBA Philippine Cup will be pitted against the runners-up in the recently-concluded Japan and Korea leagues in the East Asia Super League opening on Oct. 12.
The PBA champion was bracketed with the Japan’s Ryukyu Golden Knights and Korea’s Anyang KGC in Group A during the grouping ceremony on Tuesday at the Shangrila-The Fort.
Taiwan’s champion Taipei Fubon Braves will also play the PBA titlist in the ongoing Philippine Cup.
Meanwhile, the runners-up in the Philippine Cup will have an arduous task as it goes up against B.League champion Utsunomiya Brex and KBL titlist Seoul SK Knights. The PBA’s second placer will also figure against the Bay Area Dragons, who will also play as a guest team in the Commissioner’s Cup.
The tournament offers $1 million to the champion team.
The teams will play home-and-away matches within their group with the top two teams advancing to the semifinals.
The Golden Knights settled for second place against the Brex, and a prominent name who played during the 2021-2022 season was former Meralco import Allen Durham. It is not yet clear whether Durham will suit up in the EASL.
EASL ambassador Metta World Peace with top officials of the league.
Representatives from each league including PBA commissioner Willie Marcial attended the draw ceremony of the tournament will feature the top two teams in each of the countries.
EASL co-founder and CEO Matt Beyer said the league is looking to hold the playoff round in the Philippines.
“The finals, I think, is going to be here in Manila. That’s the plan,” said Beyer.
Beyer said he is glad that the PBA has played an active role in the EASL.
“The PBA, like any other leagues, is amazing. Given the fact that the PBA has such a long and wonderful history, only second to the NBA in terms of the longest history of professional league in the world, it’s extremely an honor to work with the PBA.”
“I think everyone around the world knows the passion of Philippine basketball fans and the fact that majority of the population watches basketball on a weekly basis. There’s so many great stories that is part of everyone’s daily experience and the fabric of family and culture with basketball. I think basketball is dear to everyone in the Philippines,” said Beyer.
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