PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial has effectively shut the door on another stint for the Macau Giant Pandas while revealing preliminary talks with a potential guest team from Mongolia and reaffirming the league’s full support for the Philippine national team program.
With Macau down to its final game in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, Marcial indicated that the team is unlikely to return after struggling with heavy defeats and roster instability.
“Last conference na nila ito, at may isang game pa sila. So, malamang hindi na pabalikin ng PBA ang Macau dito at baka hindi na sila makalaro in the near future,” Marcial said, citing the team’s roster problems as another challenge for the league.
The Giant Pandas’ latest setback was a 142-87 rout at the hands of TNT Tropang 5G, further highlighting their struggles against PBA competition.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Macau, the league remains open to other international guest teams. Marcial revealed that representatives from Mongolia met with PBA officials two weeks ago to discuss possible participation, although no agreement has been finalized.
“In talks pa lang for the near future. Baka malabo pa kasi punong-puno tayo. May World Cup pa. Pumasok man sila o hindi, tuloy ang basketball natin,” he said, noting the league’s packed schedule and upcoming commitments.
Marcial also emphasized that the PBA remains committed to supporting the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), assuring the federation that the league is ready to provide the personnel and resources necessary for its national team programs.
“Kung ano talaga ang hinihingi ng SBP, ibibigay ng PBA,” Marcial said, stressing that the league’s assistance would extend to players, coaches, ball boys and the technical committee.
The commissioner’s remarks underline the PBA’s dual priorities of exploring international guest-team opportunities while continuing to support the development of Philippine basketball and its national teams. (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
The post Kume Marcial rules out Macau Pandas return first appeared on Fastbreak.
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