Dennis Gaviola

Levanga Hokkaido’s Dwight Ramos (left) and Barangay GInebra’s Scottie Thompson (right). Photo from Japan B.League and PBA Images.

Article (news)

Romwel Anzures

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1739188015362IMG_6206.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Levanga Hokkaido’s Dwight Ramos (left) and Barangay GInebra’s Scottie Thompson (right). Photo from Japan B.League and PBA Images."/>Levanga Hokkaido’s Dwight Ramos (left) and Barangay GInebra’s Scottie Thompson (right). Photo from Japan B.League and PBA Images.MANILA — A crossover between two of Asia’s best professional basketball leagues is in the works.</div>The PBA and the Japan B.League are looking to hold exhibition games as a part of the former’s celebration of its 50th anniversary later this year.“May plano, may talks na kami,” said PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial on Monday at the sidelines of the press conference for the ‘PBA 50’ logo unveiling. “Pero ayaw pa munang ipa-sabi ng B.League. May plano na, baka exhibition games.”The B.League, aside from Japan’s homegrown stars, is also where the likes of fan-favorites Dwight Ramos, the injured Kai Sotto, Ray Parks Jr., and Kiefer Ravena play professionally.<div>And if plans push through, some of these present and former Gilas Pilipinas aces would have the opportunity to go up against their fellow Filipino stars from the PBA. <img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/173918812585920250210-PBA-logo-launch-JC-5667.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial. Photo from Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News."/>PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial. Photo from Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News.“Wala pang team, and confidential pa sa kanila. Pero ‘di ko napigilan si chairman, nasabi niya na, so yun, tignan muna natin,” Marcial said of TNT Tropang GIGA governor Ricky Vargas.</div>Aside from the B.League, other Asian pro leagues have also expressed their interest in playing against the PBA teams.“Gusto rin ng mga ibang liga tulad ng Mongolia and Korea, pero as of now, looking forward kami sa B.League,” bared Marcial.These possibilities, according to Chairman Vargas, are not only to appeal to the hopes of the fans, however. They are also efforts for the PBA to continue to pioneer and improve its play being Asia’s first play-for-play league.“We cannot be the best if we cannot excel,” he said.  “We want to stay the best, but we recognize na hindi na tayo nag-iisa in Asia. Today, we have leagues in Japan, Korea, and Taipei, and in all these leagues, our commissioner started a collaboration with them.”“In order for us to stay the best, we have to lead. We have the EASL, and we are going to have games with the B.League of Japan. The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is also very much involved in Taiwan.”“With the SBP and the PBA, we will stay as the best in Asia. But we have to excel. We excel in Gilas, we have Alfrancis [Chua], and we have the best league that can support Gilas,” he added.<div>RELATED VIDEO: <script data-wid="auto" type="text/javascript" src="https://content.viralize.tv/display/?zid=AAEyze-tm4MR6kEa&amp;cid=ABUJlFcmVTC7M7kW&amp;activation=click&amp;vip_mode=playing&amp;vip_position=bottom-right"></script></div>

A crossover between two of Asia’s best professional basketball leagues is in the works.

A crossover between two of Asia’s best professional basketball leagues is in the works.

PBA planning to hold exhibition games with Japan B.League teams

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PBA planning to hold exhibition games with Japan B.League teams

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published February 10, 2025 08:55 PM PHT

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Updated February 10, 2025 09:21 PM PHT

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PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup

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