PBA Balance of Power: There is parity with the exception of theTalk 'N Text Tropang Texters

Leagues around the world are trying as much as possible to have some sort of parity between teams. That is why there are drafts and lottery picks. That is why there is a salary cap. In the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), the league somehow found some parity. It is hard to predict games in the PBA now as most teams are evenly matched. The only great exception is Manny Pangilinan's Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters.

In the first conference, the top 4 teams were Talk 'N Text, Petron Blaze Boosters, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, and Powerade Tigers. The elimination round in the Commissioner's Cup is over and 3 of those 4 teams are out of contention for the 2nd conference title.  We can call it balance and some might call it luck or bad luck. The only immune team is the Tropang Texters and they got a fast forward ticket to the Final 4 as they finished numero uno after the single round robin elimination round. It is not surprising anymore with a team so loaded with talent that players like Japeth Aguilar, Harvey Carey, Jason Castro, and Ranidel de Ocampo come off the bench. Those 4 are sure starters in other teams. Talk 'N Text won 2 titles last year and they have defended one and they are the odds on favorite to defend their second title. Only a Petron miracle have prevented them from winning a grand slam last year. It would have been 4 straight titles for the Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) franchise. 

MVP who happens to be the president of the Samahan Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), the FIBA-recognized basketball association of the Philippines, has transformed the Philippine basketball landscape. He bankrolled dynasties in the college level with the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles and the San Beda Red Lions. His drive in creating winning teams in the corporate world  (Metro Pacific and Smart Communications) has transcended in sports particularly basketball. No wonder Talk 'N Text looks like an All-Star team. If you work for MVP, you have to win. The coach of the semi-successful Smart Gilas program was not renewed because the team failed to win.  For them, winning is everything. Therefore it is expected for Talk 'N Text to win if possible all their games (especially in the playoffs) in the PBA. 

Is this good for the league? Well, dynasties happen but TNT seems to be built to last longer. Unlike Crispa who had a Toyota to contend with, Talk 'N Talk seems to be miles ahead from the competition. Petron is good but they are aging and oft-injured. B-Meg seems to choke in do or die battles. Ginebra is is the crowd favorite but they are also aging and get inconsistent sometimes. Meralco is the mini-farm team of sister club TNT. Barako Bull and Air 21 are like D-League teams for good young players waiting to be sold to other teams or a place for former superstars to get decent playing time. Powerade is mediocre without their amazing guards. Rain or Shine is too streaky to be depended upon.  Alaska is setting up a new system. No wonder that any conference in 2011-12 seems to look like a battle for 2nd place.

So is this good for PBA? Well PBA seems to report of improving ratings and gate receipts. The new formats are exciting and all teams have now made it to the playoffs. Well, almost as Air 21 missed the boat again but they have improved after a winless first conference.  A new set of Final 4 will give fans a different look. Who could be this conference's cinderella? Well it be the Bolts or the Barako Bull? Who knows? Parity is really good but when teams are matched up with the Texters, results seem predictable.

Hopefully, it will change soon. Maybe next year, since the core of TNT will be part of the national team but then again the Tropang Texters will bring legendary Philippine collegiate and PBA coach Norman Black who is seeking to continue his mean streak of winning basketball titles. Good luck, to all other teams.

Links:

PBA Commissioner's Cup down to 6 teams
PBA Official Website