Only 9 Teams Will Play In PBA Governors Cup 2011 According To Chito Salud

Last Commissioner's Cup we had 10 competing teams in the PBA, but now, in the upcoming Governor's Cup we'll only have 9 teams because Smart Gilas will go out of the country to participate in the FIBA Asia Championship for the chance to be included in the 2012 London Olympics. Look at the picture above, just take out Smart Gilas and you'll only have 9 teams. This did not make Commissioner Chito Salud worried. Aside from the Smart Gilas, Barako Bull will also not play in the PBA Governor's Cup. Chito Salud told us the reason why Barako Bull was out. He said that the Barako Bull team failed to meet the 5:oo p.m. deadline yesterday, that's why they were not allowed to be included in the PBA Governor's Cup 2011. The Commissioner said:

“Nine teams na tayo niyan. We waited for Barako’s word whether they will join or not, but no word or statement reached us as of 5 p.m. Monday."

Back in the olden times, the PBA only had 6 participating teams and the league then was very famous. In fact some called that year, the Golden Age of Philippine Basketball. That' s why I don't see any reason why the PBA will go downhill because of this 9 team-format due to the departure of Smart Gilas and with the failure of Barako Bull to meet the deadline.

Barako Bull has been absent in action since the start of the Commissioner's Cup after they lend their slot to the Smart Gilas Pilipinas National basketball team. Without Barako Bull, the PBA still maintained its popularity. It even enhanced the rivalry between SMC teams and the teams of MVP. Ginebra now have a new rival, the Smart Gilas team.

The only possible thing that could affect the PBA Governor's Cup negatively is the temporary leave of some of the PBA superstars to support the Smart Gilas Pilipinas Team. Asi Taulava, Don Don Hontiveros, Kelly Williams, and Jimmy Alapag will leave the PBA to help Smart Gilas. They will miss some of the games of their PBA mother teams. I can't imagine Jay Jay Helterbrand not playing against Jimmy Alapag. I wanna see these two stars go agains each other.