I think the PBA has to revise this.
I mean, this is automatic in fantasy basketball leagues and even in the FIBA crossover tourneys.
If they got the idea from the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, then Gilas Pilipinas should have faced Cameroon instead of Brazil.
In the semis game against Latvia, Cameroon went 3-of-27 from downtown. I know Brazil still would have smoked us, but by facing the land of Karim Abdul, Ben Mbala, Alfred Aroga, Papi Sarr, and Emmanuel Mbe, Gilas might have a better chance to go to the Finals.
This is Reuben Terrado's interview with Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao. Yes, CYG is polarizing at times, but he is not wrong here. Historically, the top teams meet in the finals. This is why we thrive on the lower-seeds upsetting the higher-placed squads.
If you ask me, it should be TNT versus NLEX and San Miguel versus Converge in the first bracket with Rain or Shine versus Magnolia and Ginebra versus Meralco on the other. I know Rain or Shine shouldn't be angry at the bracket because their current route is easier, as they are getting away from San Miguel, Meralco, and Ginebra, but for the sake of fairness, this should have been the case.
Unfortunately, it seems like the die is cast and we're stuck with this situation.
Better luck next time.
Maybe if they want an updated approach to the usual playoff format, they can try the format used in DOTA 2's The International. They can make the Finals a Best-of-7 affair but having the winner of the winner's bracket against the winner of the loser's bracket is new.
