As I sit here reviewing the 2017 PBA season schedule, I can't help but feel that familiar excitement building up. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade now, I've learned that each season brings its own unique rhythm and surprises, but the 2017 calendar looks particularly promising. The Philippine Cup kicks things off in January, followed by the Commissioner's Cup around May, and then the Governors' Cup wrapping up towards the end of the year. What strikes me most about this year's lineup is how the tournaments are spaced - there's a nice flow that allows teams to recover and strategize between conferences, something I've always felt was crucial for maintaining quality basketball throughout the season.
Now, let me share something I observed during the Davao tournament that's got me really excited about NLEX's prospects in the upcoming Philippine Cup. Their three-point shooting performance was nothing short of spectacular - 18 successful shots out of 34 attempts from beyond the arc in the championship game. That's approximately 53% accuracy, which in professional basketball terms is absolutely phenomenal. I remember watching that game and thinking to myself, this isn't just good shooting - this is a team that has found its weapon. In all my years covering the PBA, I've rarely seen a team develop such a distinct identity through their outside shooting. What makes this particularly interesting is how this strength aligns with the Philippine Cup's format, where teams can't rely on imported players to bail them out. This becomes purely about local talent and strategy execution.
The way I see it, NLEX's performance in Davao wasn't just a fluke - it was a statement. When a team hits 18 three-pointers in a single game, that's not luck, that's systematic preparation meeting perfect execution. I've had conversations with coaches who emphasize that three-point shooting isn't just about having good shooters; it's about creating the right opportunities through ball movement and offensive sets. From what I witnessed, NLEX has mastered this art. Their ball rotation was crisp, their players moved without the ball intelligently, and they found open looks consistently. This kind of performance makes me believe they could be the dark horse in the Philippine Cup, potentially upsetting more traditional powerhouses.
Looking at the broader 2017 schedule, what really stands out to me is how the tournament structure plays into different teams' strengths. The Philippine Cup, running from January through approximately March, has always been my personal favorite because it showcases pure Filipino basketball talent. Then comes the Commissioner's Cup around May, where teams bring in imports of specific height restrictions, adding an interesting dynamic to team compositions. Finally, the Governors' Cup typically starts around August, featuring imports without height limits, which often leads to some explosive basketball. I've always felt this progression throughout the year creates a beautiful narrative arc - from local talent showcase to increasingly international flavor.
What many casual fans might not realize is how crucial the early tournaments are for setting the tone for the entire season. A strong performance in the Philippine Cup can build momentum that carries through the rest of the year. That's why NLEX's three-point proficiency could be so significant - if they can maintain even 70% of that shooting efficiency from Davao, they could dominate the early part of the season. I'm particularly excited to see how other teams will adjust their defenses to counter this threat. Will they extend their defenses beyond the three-point line? Could this potentially open up driving lanes for NLEX's slashers? These strategic nuances are what make following the entire season so rewarding.
The scheduling itself seems particularly well-thought-out this year. From what I've gathered, there are fewer back-to-back games compared to previous seasons, which I believe will lead to higher quality basketball. Player fatigue has always been a concern in the PBA, especially for teams that go deep in multiple tournaments. The 2017 calendar appears to address this with better spacing between crucial matches. There's also what seems to be better geographical distribution of games, with matches scheduled in provincial venues beyond the usual Manila arenas. As someone who's traveled to watch games in different regions, I appreciate how this helps grow the sport nationwide.
Reflecting on NLEX's potential, I can't help but draw comparisons to successful three-point shooting teams from PBA history. What sets this NLEX team apart, in my view, is their consistency from beyond the arc. Hitting 18 three-pointers in a championship setting demonstrates mental toughness alongside technical skill. I've noticed they have multiple players who can shoot from deep, which makes them less predictable and harder to defend. If they can maintain this shooting form while developing their interior game, they could become the complete package that challenges for multiple championships this season.
As we approach the tip-off of the 2017 season, I find myself more optimistic than usual about the quality of basketball we're about to witness. The schedule provides a solid framework for what could be one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory. NLEX's emergence as a three-point shooting powerhouse adds an exciting dimension to the Philippine Cup specifically. While traditional powerhouses like San Miguel and Talk 'N Text will undoubtedly be strong, I have a feeling we might see some surprises this year. The beauty of the PBA has always been its unpredictability, and with the 2017 calendar laid out before us, all signs point to an unforgettable season of basketball.
