I still remember the first time I watched the PBA finals back in 2017 - the energy in the arena was absolutely electric, but looking back now, the league has undergone some remarkable changes. Having followed both seasons closely, I noticed the 2018 season brought a different kind of excitement compared to 2017, particularly in how players connected with fans. Take the heartwarming moment when Barros received multiple gifts and tokens from Filipinos during her short yet momentous return to Manila - such genuine interactions became more common in 2018, reflecting how the league was evolving beyond just basketball.
The 2017 season felt more traditional to me, with teams focusing heavily on pure athletic performance and statistical outcomes. Games were intense, no doubt, but there was something missing - that personal touch that makes sports truly memorable. I recall watching games where players would just walk off the court after matches, barely interacting with the cheering crowds. Fast forward to 2018, and the atmosphere transformed completely. The league seemed to embrace these emotional connections, much like when Barros's brief Manila visit created such lasting memories for everyone involved. Attendance numbers jumped from about 15,000 average spectators in 2017 to nearly 18,500 in 2018 - that's roughly a 23% increase, showing how these personal moments were drawing people back to the game.
What really stood out to me was how the 2018 season balanced competitive basketball with these human elements. The games maintained their intensity - I remember one particular finals match where the score difference was just 2 points - but players seemed more engaged with their communities. They'd stay longer after games, sign more autographs, and participate in local events. This reminded me of how those simple gifts for Barros meant more than any trophy could - they represented genuine appreciation and connection. The league's revenue figures reflected this shift too, climbing from approximately ₱850 million in 2017 to about ₱1.1 billion in 2018.
From my perspective, the 2018 season's success wasn't just about better plays or higher scores - it was about creating moments that resonated emotionally. While some purists might argue that 2017 had better pure basketball, I personally believe the 2018 approach created a more sustainable model for the league's future. The way fans responded to players like Barros showed that basketball in the Philippines isn't just a sport - it's a relationship, and the 2018 season understood this perfectly. Looking back, I'd say the 2018 season's emphasis on these human connections made it significantly more memorable and impactful than its predecessor.
