Marcial wants to bring back fans like those in the PBA’s golden days

PBA commish longs for the days of the Big J

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial yesterday expressed his goal to draw back fans into the games, similar to the time when spectators descend in droves to watch now basketball legends Robert Jaworski and Alvin Patrimonio.

The 56-year-old Marcial, who started his career in the PBA in the early 80s as a game statistician, saw Jaworski and Patrimonio during their prime and witnessed how they were adored by their respective supporters.

“Ako, ang gusto ko mapalapit ang PBA players at Gilas Pilipinas players sa fans,” Marcial said yesterday at the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Tapa King in Farmer’s Center in Cubao.

“Doon nabubuhay ang liga eh. Paano sumikat si Alvin and si Senator Jaworski? Sa fans… kahit 10 p.m. na, hanggat may nagpapapirma ang nagpapakuha, andyan sila,” Marcial added.

Marcial said the only way to achieve that is for the players to be more engaging with their fans.

There are players who are already endearing and accommodating to their supporters, but a few need to double their efforts.

“Kinakausap naman natin yung mga players, sinasabihan natin sila,” said Marcial, who likewise hopes to improve the officiating and continue the so-called healing process among members of the board.

The league under Marcial has already started a program called ‘PBA Homecourt’ where players conduct basketball clinics and the league gives a particular community basketball equipment.

Another plan that is still in discussion is for teams to wear retro jerseys that the Commissioner’s Office will provide. The worn game jersey will be signed by players and will be auctioned, with proceeds going to charity.

“Madami tayong plano, pero pinaguusapan pa lahat. Meron din tayong 3-on-3 na pinag-uusapan; tignan natin,” added Marcial, who was appointed officer in charge after Commissoner Chito Narvasa stepped down at the end of last season.

As OIC at the start of the year, Marcial worked for 30 days before the board, chaired by TNT KaTropa’s Ricky Vargas, appointed him as fullpledged commissioner, the 10th since the time of founding Commissioner Leo Prieto in 1975.

Marcial didn’t say who but he let on that one of his close friends had advised him to accept the job.

“Nag-consult ako sa mga kaibigan natin, mga malapit sa akin. May isang nagsabi sa’;kin na kunin mo na baka ikaw ang puwedeng magpasama-sama uli sa board, yun pumasok sa isipan ko. Don ako nag-decide na kung iaalok sa akin, kukunin ko,” said Marcial, who nonetheless retained his erstwhile position as media bureau chief.

On Sunday, Marcial already implemented a way for fans to further understand PBA rules by letting technical director Eric Castro speak during the post-game interview and explain the technicalities involved during the endgame confusion that marred the San Miguel-Barangay Ginebra Philippine Cup encounter.

“Basta may controversial call na technicality at hindi judgment call, papupuntahin ko si Eric to explain everything,” Marcial said.