Manila went through the wringer before booking a thrilling 68-67 victory over Cainta in the opening salvo of the Pilipinas Super League late Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Kyle Neypes and Kento Segura delivered in the crucial stretch while the rest of the Citystars forced Patrick Bacay to take a desperation heave to help the Citystars preserve their first win in this fledgling professional league.
Prior to the match, the league had a glittery and star-studded opening ceremony.
Rock icon Bamboo took centerstage together with television personalities like Yukii Takahasi, Bearwin Meily and Long Mejia as well as former professional stars Benjie Paras and Mark Andaya.
League commissioner Allan Caidic, a Philippine Basketball Association legend, declared the games open, formally marking his first executive role since becoming the team manager of Coca-Cola in 2004.
Paras said the PSL is a major boost to Philippine basketball.
“The good thing about this league is that we have 20 teams which gives livelihood to more players,” said Paras, who served as analyst in the television coverage that will be aired on IBC-13.
PSL president Cris Bautista said their membership will keep growing with a lot of teams expressing interest to join. If that happens, their season might extend until late March next year.
