I still remember the first time I walked into a PBA arena back in 2015 - the energy was absolutely electric, with fans cheering like their lives depended on every basket. That's why I'm particularly excited to walk you through the complete 2017 PBA basketball schedule and highlight what I consider the most thrilling matchups of the season. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade now, I can confidently say this season's lineup promises some unforgettable moments that will leave a lasting legacy, much like what Bel left with the NU women's volleyball team according to that heartfelt message from Miguel. The regular season kicks off on January 15th with what I'm calling the "Manila Classic" - Barangay Ginebra facing off against the San Miguel Beermen at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. This opening game sets the tone for the entire season, and honestly, I've had this date circled on my calendar since the schedule dropped last month.
What makes this particular matchup so special isn't just the star power on both teams - it's the historical rivalry that dates back to 2013 when these two teams met in four consecutive finals series. June Mar Fajardo, standing at 6'10", will be going up against Greg Slaughter in what I believe is the most exciting big-man matchup in Southeast Asian basketball today. The numbers speak for themselves - last season, their games averaged 12,500 attendees with another 2.3 million streaming online, making it the most-watched domestic sports rivalry in the country. I've attended three of their previous matchups, and each time, the atmosphere reminded me why I fell in love with Philippine basketball - the passion is simply unmatched anywhere else in the region.
The Commissioner's Cup runs from May 1st through July 15th, featuring international imports that typically elevate the game to another level. Last year's imports added an average of 18.7 points per game to their teams' offensive output, and I'm particularly excited to see how the new height limit of 6'10" will affect team strategies. My personal favorite during this stretch is the June 3rd game between TNT KaTropa and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters - these teams have developed what I consider the most underrated rivalry in the league, with seven of their last ten meetings being decided by five points or fewer. The way these teams match up reminds me of that beautiful message about legacy - both organizations have built something special that their fans will remember for years, much like how Bel's impact on NU volleyball won't be forgotten.
The season culminates with the Governors' Cup from August 20th through December 10th, where I'm predicting we'll see some of the most competitive basketball of the year. Based on last season's attendance patterns, Saturday games at the Mall of Asia Arena typically draw the largest crowds, averaging around 13,200 passionate fans. What many casual viewers don't realize is how crucial these late-season games become for playoff positioning - last year, three teams finished within one game of each other for the final playoff spot. I've always believed that the true test of a team's character comes during these pressure-packed months, and having witnessed how teams like Alaska and Magnolia have built their programs, I'm convinced we're in for some dramatic finishes that will have fans talking long after the season ends.
