Return of Eastern in the PBA? Coach Bajramovic Hopes So – and That’s a Win for Philippine Basketball
Meralco's 108-92 win over NLEX on Sunday in the PBA Philippine Cup wasn’t just another regular season game. In the crowd was Coach Mensur Bajramovic, the seasoned Bosnian tactician who helmed the Eastern team from Hong Kong during their stint as a guest squad in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. And his message was clear: he wants Eastern back in the PBA for its 50th anniversary season.
"We enjoyed playing here (last conference). And now it reminds me (after watching the game). I hope we will have a chance to play again," said Bajramovic.
Eastern’s entry last conference was historic and eye-opening. For a team that also had ongoing commitments in the Hong Kong domestic league and the East Asia Super League (EASL), Eastern still managed to compete at a high level in the PBA. Featuring former Bay Area Dragons stars Glen Yang, Kobe Lam, Hayden Blankley, and reinforced by imports Cameron Clark and Chris McLaughlin, Eastern once held the top spot in the standings before fatigue from multiple tournaments eventually took its toll.
They bowed out in the quarterfinals at the hands of eventual champions TNT Tropang Giga, but not without showing the Filipino basketball audience that the PBA can accommodate international competition—and thrive from it.
The Impact of Foreign Teams in the PBA
The return of Eastern—or any foreign team for that matter—should be celebrated, not feared. Their presence raises the overall level of play, provides valuable exposure for local stars, and adds a fresh narrative that excites fans who are hungry for more than the usual matchups.
During Eastern’s previous stint, games involving them drew strong attention. Their structure, discipline, and high-IQ basketball gave local teams new challenges to prepare for. They didn’t just play, they competed, and even led the league early on. That’s no small feat.
Moreover, foreign teams in the PBA offer an opportunity to bridge Filipino basketball with the global scene. Players like Glen Yang and Hayden Blankley became household names in the Philippines. Filipino fans got to see different playing styles and strategies. Young local players learned by competing against battle-tested professionals from across Asia and beyond.
Bajramovic’s Return Is More Than Nostalgia
Bajramovic’s weekend visit wasn’t just a friendly trip to see Meralco consultant and long-time friend Nenad Vucinic. His presence at the Philsports Arena and public hope of returning shows genuine respect for the PBA as a top-tier basketball league in Asia.
"It's a decision we have to make, the club I mean," Bajramovic added before returning to Hong Kong.
With the PBA’s golden anniversary season fast approaching, the league has a golden opportunity to embrace more international competition. The groundwork has already been laid with Eastern’s successful run and the previous inclusion of Bay Area.
Conclusion: The PBA Is Better With Foreign Competition
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the PBA has faced criticisms in recent years about competitiveness, parity, and fan engagement. But when foreign teams like Eastern enter the picture, everything feels elevated. The matchups become more compelling. The narratives become deeper. The players play harder. And the fans—Filipinos who love hoops more than anything—get a better product.
Coach Bajramovic’s desire to return is a testament to the respect foreign teams have for the PBA. The league should make it happen.
Because when foreign clubs like Eastern play here, they don’t just compete. They make Philippine basketball stronger.
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