THE PBA chairman's wish for a friendly between a PBA selection and Team China is feasible if one is to consider all the Philippine-China series that have been played in the past.
PBA fans would remember the Beijing All Stars, the Liaoning squad and most recently the Shanghai Sharks who had come over and had their tussles with the local side.
Amidst the West Philippine Sea rift and the pandemic, PBA chair Ricky Vargas has shared his vision to hold a Phl-China basketball showdown to help the country "get back some semblance of normalcy."
For the PBA, Vargas said it's one way of kicking off Season 46 to a grand start after the delay caused by the new surge of COVID-19 cases.
"I would like to see Season 46 jumpstarted with this exhibition match, the technical aspects of which could be crafted by our tournament officials. We need to give our people inspiration and hope. I will even join the team in their 'friendlies'," Vargas said.
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He called out his fellow PBA governors, who he said are all aching to give PBA fans something to cheer about in this time of great challenge.
"Thank you governors, for your unrelenting support and concern for the league and its fans. Let's get the ball rolling as soon as possible!" Vargas said.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial backs the chairman's proposal but said there are details to be done that would need the help of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
Previous visits of Chinese teams went through processes done jointly by the national cage federations of the two countries.
The Shanghai Sharks were the last Chinese ball club to set foot in the country, suffering defeats at the hands of Gilas Pilipinas and the PBA All Stars in 2013.
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Gabe Norwood sizzled with 11 points, eight assists and four rebounds, winning Best Player of the Game honors in Gilas' 80-72 spanking of the Sharks.
The PBA All Stars made it two for two for the home side with KG Canaleta, Arwind Santos, Beau Belga and Paul Lee worked on an amazing 17-2 closing run in their 80-71 win. (SB)
