I am a viewer of PBA since I was a child, a solid Purefoods (Alvin Patrimonio) fan. For me basketball is always an exciting game to play and fun to watch. And you know what comes in to my mind when we talk about basketball? Its PBA... specially the old times...
If we will compare the officiating of PBA today than before, its pretty obvious that it changed drastically. As far as I remember, the rules and regulations become stricter specifically on fouls after consecutive bid for olympic basketball qualification failed. The reason behind is to train our future players and be adopted to international style of play which is more on outside shooting and honest defense.
Although this move is beneficial, but the problem is the consistency of referees in implementing this stricter rules and regulations. As I observed, there are games were they allowed teams into a physical game, but there are times that their whistle is restless on calling fouls (manipis ang tawag). I also observed that some coaches are becoming disappointed with this inconsistency like Tim Cone and Yeng Guiao (latest was the walk out of coach Chot Reyes). Best example is the recent Game 5 of Purefoods vs ROS and Ginebra vs TNT. Comparing the two games, the stricter rules were implemented in the game of PF vs ROS wherein Sol Mercado, Jay R Reyes, Rafi Reavis and Kerby got into early foul trouble. While the game of Ginebra and TNT played and officiated the old fashion way where the players played well.
My point of view is this, the stricter rules is taking away the excitement of the game, it is very disappointing that Rafi Reavis just raise his hands up straight and the foul was called because it touches the body part of the driving player, for me it was an honest defense at all. Sol Mercado swipe the ball touching a little bit of the hands and the foul was called ("Nana" kung tawagin sa larong kanto). Lastly, the flagrant foul called on Ranidel in which everbody's opinion was just an ordinary collision with Ronald Tubid which we all know has a bright future in his acting career while Marc Cardona is like a mop sweeping the floor and yet there were no foul.
It changes the complexion of the game, what if Sol was not in foul trouble? or wat if Ranidel had played the game 5 of their series? Some may not agree with my opinions and for those who agrees with me, surely, they are also becoming a disappointed fan of PBA.
If this poor officiating continues, we will be watching PBA with no more post up plays and drive to the basket, everybody will just make jumpshots and three points. Boring!
Thank you!
