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| The Asia League's Terrific 12 tournament held in Macau ended with Japan's Ryushu Golden Kings as its champions. (Image Source: ABS-CBN Sports/Power Sport Images) |
I would assume that any Filipino basketball fan have never heard of The
Asia League unless you learned it from any legitimate sports news organization
or my article about its Summer Super 8 tournament. But judging from what I have
learned recently, it looks like the Philippines' strong and active traction in
one of the region's fast-rising pro basketball leagues is becoming bright and
we should look forward to what's in store for our own homegrown players who
want to showcase their own baller skills to the world in the coming months.
In case you didn't know, two PBA teams have showcased their own prowess
and style to their competitors from different parts of Asia in the Summer Super
8 tournament - the NLEX Road Warriors and Blackwater Elite. Then there was an
underwhelming local team called the iEco that has shown its resiliency amidst
defeat in the recently concluded Terrific 12 tourney. With such traction on
hand, it seems that anyone who has learned about the Asia League may look
forward to more local teams competing in the near future and that is
well-stated by no less than the league's CEO Matt Beyer.
Beyer, who is currently overseeing the operations of the Asia League and
its events, is eyeing more teams from the Philippine Basketball Association to
participate in its Super 8 and Terrific 12 tourneys, more particularly those
under San Miguel Corporation and The MVP Group. A green light from the league
and team management would probably be an essential factor for those who are
invited to compete in any regional basketball tourney, and this is what we
should expect in the coming months prior to its upcoming new season.
Though its reach is yet to become at par with popular pro basketball
leagues across the region, it is good to know that the Asia League is making
good use of social media as an essential tool to not only promote its upcoming
endeavors, but to introduce the league to a wider and broader audience of young
and old basketball fans alike. And since basketball is the most popular sport
in the Philippines today, I am definitely positive that more Filipino
basketball buffs will take notice of the league that is poised to be Asian
basketball's own version of the UEFA Champions League and eventually support
some of their favorite homegrown players compete against the best Asia has to
offer.
Want to learn more of the
Asia League and its upcoming events? Check out its official website at
TheAsiaLeague.com or follow The Asia League on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
