Did TNT found a key in reviving PBA's popularity?

(c) PBA Media Bureau

I was not yet alive during the times where PBA was the talk of the country. When the league has more viewers than any other show in the country.

We may never see those days again but at the very least, the PBA should strive to get back to their former throne as the undisputed most popular league in the country because these days; MPBL, UAAP and even the volleyball leagues are improving as challengers.

This conference, they may have found something that could help them get back to that status.

Once TNT eliminated Ginebra, the finals series was supposed to be a forgettable showdown.

The current series between TNT and San Miguel is far from forgettable. Actually, this could be a landmark series for a new era in the PBA.

Last game 4, the Smart Araneta was full. According to the numbers, 13,578 fans were there to watch a fantastic game.

Now, what made the finals series compelling to the fans?

The quality of the games. Of course, the climax so far was the game 2 that needed multiple clutch shots and nerve-wracking defensive plays to be settled. 

Now, what helped the quality of the games? The quality of the imports.

The reality is, the presence of Terrence Jones is alluring a lot of eyeballs because he is a legit NBA player. Do not be shocked if the next league where you can find Terrence is in the NBA because according to the rumors he already has offers from NBA teams.

His presence makes the match-up of TNT and SMB feels like colossal. It feels like two titanic teams are facing-off. Instead of the usual finals where SMB feels like a man facing a boy.

And the action in the court is delivering. And the fans are responding.

Now, to fully turn on the rise again, the 2019 Governors' Cup should deliver. PBA found a key. PBA needs one or two legitimate NBA players in their final conference this year.