2015–16 PBA season

41st PBA season February 2023 February 2023 2015–16 PBA season PBA_2015-16_logo.png October 21, 2015 – October 19, 2016 12 Local: Sports5 TV5 Fox Sports Hyper (HD) PBA Rush (HD) International: AksyonTV International 2015 PBA draft Moala Tautuaa TNT Tropang Texters June Mar Fajardo (San Miguel Beermen) Terrence Romeo (GlobalPort Batang Pier) Philippine Cup 2015–16 PBA Philippine Cup San Miguel Beermen Alaska Aces Commissioner's Cup 2016 PBA Commissioner's Cup Rain or Shine Elasto Painters Alaska Aces Governors' Cup 2016 PBA Governors' Cup Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Meralco Bolts 2014–15 PBA season 2014–15 2016–17 PBA season 2016–17 The 2015–16 PBA season was the 41st season of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). The league continued to use the three-conference format, starting with the Philippine Cup. The Commissioner's Cup and the Governors' Cup were the second and third conferences of the season. This season was also the first season of Chito Narvasa as the PBA commissioner when Chito Salud announced his resignation at the end of the 2014–15 season. Salud remained with the PBA as he was the new president and CEO of the league.Dy Richard Former coach Chito Narvasa named new PBA commissioner via 12-0 vote by board http://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/news/chito-narvasa-pba-commissioner-chito-salud-replacement-basketball Spin.ph Spin.ph May 14, 2015 May 14, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518085211/http://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/news/chito-narvasa-pba-commissioner-chito-salud-replacement-basketball May 18, 2015 dead However, on December 1, 2015, Salud announced his resignation as president and CEO of the PBA that took effect at the end of December 2015, passing both President and CEO positions to Narvasa.http://sports.inquirer.net/200229/chito-salud-resigns-as-pba-president-and-ceo Chito Salud resigns as PBA president and CEO Mark Giongco inquirer.net December 2015 http://www.philstar.com/sports/2015/12/01/1527886/salud-resigns-pba-president-board-set-meet Salud resigns as PBA president; Board set to meet Philippine Star December 1, 2015 The first event of the season was the 2015 PBA draft which was held on August 23.DEADLINES FOR 2015 PBA ROOKIE DRAFT APPLICANTS SET http://pba.inquirer.net/58320/deadlines-for-2015-pba-rookie-draft-applicants-set PBA.ph June 15, 2015 July 11, 2015 This season currently holds the record for most games played in a season, having 266 games played throughout the whole year. It surpassed the previous record of 257 games, previously set during the previous season. Executive board Chito Narvasa (Commissioner/President/CEO) Robert Non (Chairman, representing San Miguel Beermen) Eric Arejola (Vice-chairman, representing GlobalPort Batang Pier) Ramoncito Fernandez (Treasurer, representing NLEX Road Warriors) Teams Team Company Governor Coach Captain Alaska Aces Alaska Milk Corporation Richard Bachmann Alex Compton Tony dela Cruz Barako Bull Energy* Energy Food and Drinks Inc. Manny Alvarez Koy Banal JC Intal Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Ginebra San Miguel, Inc. Alfrancis Chua Tim Cone Mark Caguioa Blackwater Elite Ever Bilena Cosmetics, Inc. Silliman Sy Leo Isaac Reil Cervantes GlobalPort Batang Pier Sultan 900 Capital, Inc. Eric Arejola Johnedel Cardel Billy Mamaril Mahindra Enforcer Columbian Autocar Corporation Tomas Alvarez Manny Pacquiao Niño Canaleta Meralco Bolts Manila Electric Company Al Panlilio Norman Black Jimmy Alapag NLEX Road Warriors Metro Pacific Investments Corporation Ramoncito Fernandez Boyet Fernandez Asi Taulava Phoenix Fuel Masters** Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. Dennis Uy Ariel Vanguardia Willy Wilson Rain or Shine Elasto Painters Asian Coatings Philippines, Inc. Mamerto Mondragon Yeng Guiao Jireh Ibañes San Miguel Beermen San Miguel Brewery, Inc. Robert Non Leo Austria Arwind Santos Star Hotshots San Miguel Pure Foods Company, Inc. Rene Pardo Jason Webb Rafi Reavis TNT KaTropa Smart Communications Victorico Vargas Jong Uichico Ranidel de Ocampo * - Participated for the 2015–16 PBA Philippine Cup ** - Barako Bull was sold to Phoenix Petroleum in January 2016. Participated beginning the 2016 PBA Commissioner's Cup. Arenas Old Metro Manila location map.svg Metro Manila right 200 200 Metro Manila venues of the PBA. Metro Manila Black pog.svg 8 14.62 121.05 Smart Araneta Coliseum top Metro Manila Black pog.svg 8 14.53 120.98 Mall of Asia Arena left Metro Manila Black pog.svg 8 14.54 120.99 Cuneta Astrodome right Metro Manila Black pog.svg 8 14.577 121.066 PhilSports Arena right Metro Manila Black pog.svg 8 14.60 121.03 Filoil Flying V Centre left Philippines right 370 Provincial venues of the PBA that hosted one game day (red), and two or more game days (blue). Philippines Black pog.svg 8 14.62 121.05 Metro Manila left Philippines Blue pog.svg 8 14.585 121.168 Antipolo right Philippines Red pog.svg 8 15.12 120.59 Angeles top Philippines Blue pog.svg 8 7.086111 125.616944 Davao City bottom Philippines Blue pog.svg 8 7.2856207 125.6703548 Panabo top Philippines Blue pog.svg 8 13.9284811 121.6116806 Lucena right Philippines Blue pog.svg 8 13.1442002 123.7441743 Legazpi right Philippines Red pog.svg 8 9.7547585 118.7467327 Puerto Princesa left Philippines Red pog.svg 8 13.7529383 121.04967 Batangas City left Philippines Blue pog.svg 8 14.3140932 121.0770133 Biñan left Like several Metro Manila-centric leagues, most games are held at arenas within Metro Manila, and sometimes, Antipolo. Games outside this area are called "out-of-town" games, and are usually played on Saturdays. Provincial arenas usually host one game, rarely two; these arenas typically host only once per season, but could return occasionally. Main arenas Arena CityCuneta Astrodome PasayFiloil Flying V Centre San JuanMall of Asia Arena PasayPhilSports Arena PasigSmart Araneta Coliseum Quezon CityYnares Center Antipolo Out-of-town arenas Aside from games outside Metro Manila and Antipolo, the PBA played two games outside the Philippines, in Dubai. It was the third time the league held games in the United Arab Emirates. Arena City Date Match-upUniversity of Southeastern Philippines Gym Davao City October 24, 2015 San Miguel vs. GlobalPort April 2, 2016 Star vs. AlaskaZabeel Stadium UAE Dubai November 6, 2015 Mahindra vs. Alaska November 7, 2015 Alaska vs. Barangay GinebraQuezon Convention Center Lucena November 14, 2015 TNT vs. Star January 22, 2016 San Miguel vs. Alaska July 30, 2016 Barangay Ginebra vs. Meralco Angeles University Foundation Gym Angeles City December 5, 2015 Barangay Ginebra vs. BlackwaterAlonte Sports Arena Biñan, Laguna February 20, 2016 Mahindra vs. San MiguelNLEX vs. Star September 18, 2016 Blackwater vs. San MiguelTNT vs. Barangay GinebraIbalong Centrum for Recreation Legazpi, Albay March 5, 2016 San Miguel vs. Meralco August 27, 2016 Rain or Shine vs. GlobalPortPanabo Multi-Purpose Tourism, Cultural, and Sports Center Panabo, Davao del Norte March 19, 2016 Barangay Ginebra vs. Phoenix August 20, 2016 Alaska vs. Star Puerto Princesa Coliseum Puerto Princesa April 9, 2016 TNT vs. Mahindra Batangas City Coliseum Batangas City September 3, 2016 TNT vs. San Miguel Transactions List of 2015–16 PBA season transactions Retirement August 23, 2015: Danny Ildefonso officially announced his retirement after playing 17 seasons in the PBA.Former 2-time PBA MVP Danny Ildefonso officially retires, Alder Almo, The Philippine Star, August 24, 2015 August 25, 2015: T.Y. Tang officially announced his retirement after playing 7 seasons in the PBA, all of them with the Rain or Shine franchise.TY Tang retires from PBA at age 30, citing need to focus on family business, Snow Badua, spin.ph, August 25, 2015 October 14, 2015: Paul Artadi officially announced his retirement after playing 12 seasons in the PBA. His retirement was announced upon submitting his certificate of candidacy to run as councilor for San Juan in the 2016 elections.'Anak ng San Juan' Paul Artadi ends PBA career at 34, vies for city council seat, Snow Badua, spin.ph, October 14, 2015 November 25, 2015: Don Allado officially announced his retirement after playing 16 seasons in the PBA.Don Allado retires from basketball after 16 years, Randolph Leongson, PBA.inquirer.net, November 25, 2015 Coaching changes Offseason July 20, 2015: Barangay Ginebra San Miguel fired head coach Frankie Lim. He was replaced by Star Hotshots coach Tim Cone.IT'S DONE: SMC big boss Ramon Ang confirms Tim Cone move from Star to Ginebra http://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/news/tim-cone-is-new-ginebra-coach-confirms-ramon-ang-smb-big-boss-transfer-jason-webb-star-purefoods-frankie-lim Snow Badua Spin.ph July 20, 2015 July 20, 2015 Cone's assistant from Star, Richard del Rosario, joins him in his transfer to Ginebra, as well.Tim Cone makes vow as he assumes Ginebra coaching job: 'We'll build a team the fans will be proud of' http://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/news/tim-cone-jason-webb-purefoods-star-ginebra-pba-basketball-coaching-swap-frankie-lim Karlo Sacamos Spin.ph July 23, 2015 July 24, 2015 July 20, 2015: Assistant coach Jason Webb was promoted as the head coach of the Star Hotshots. Commissioner's Cup April 28, 2016: Coach Chito Victolero resigned as interim head coach of Manny Pacquiao of the Mahindra Enforcer.http://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/news/mahindra-interim-coach-chito-victolero-resigns-amid-internal-strife-says-source#GBTSw1mOYPhYQwim.01 Mahindra interim coach Chito Victolero resigns amid internal strife, says source SPIN.PH April 28, 2016 April 28, 2016 Badua, Snow April 29, 2016: The Mahindra Enforcer appointed Chris Gavina as their first assistant coach to replace the interim head coach slot vacated by resigned Chito Victolero.http://pba.inquirer.net/71066/gavina-takes-over-deputy-post-at-mahindra-as-victolero-resigns Gavina takes over deputy post at Mahindra as Victolero resigns pba.inquirer.net April 29, 2016 April 30, 2016 Leongson, Randolph May 31, 2016: The Phoenix Fuel Masters hired Ariel Vanguardia as replacement for head coach Koy Banal.http://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/news/ariel-vanguardia-replaces-koy-banal-as-phoenix-coach-to-kick-off-pba-teams-facelift Ariel Vanguardia replaces Koy Banal as Phoenix coach to kick off PBA team's facelift spin.ph May 31, 2016 June 1, 2016 Terrado, Reuben Notable events Pre-season July 16: Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC) announced that they had changed their team name from Kia Carnival to Mahindra Enforcer.PBA ballclub rolls out new name, switches from KIA Carnival to Mahindra Enforcers http://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/news/kia-carnival-mahindra-enforcers-pba-basketball-manny-pacquiao Spin.ph July 15, 2015 July 17, 2015 September 19: PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa officially banned sportswriter Snow Badua from covering the league's activities due to his personal "baseless" attacks against Barangay Ginebra board governor Alfrancis Chua.http://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/news/pba-commissioner-chito-narvasa-bans-writer-snow-badua-from-pro-league-games-activities New commissioner Narvasa bans writer Snow Badua from PBA games, activities spin.ph September 19, 2015 October 14: The PBA Board, unanimously approved the memo that supported the Gilas Pilipinas in their participation in the Olympic qualifying tournament, that was held in July 2016, in lieu of this, 17 PBA players constituted the player pool of the Tab Baldwin-mentored national squad.http://www.philstar.com/sports/2015/10/14/1510652/pba-board-okays-17-man-gilas-pool-olympic-qualifiers PBA board okays 17-man Gilas pool for Olympic qualifiers Philippine Star August 15, 2015 October 14: The board of governors approved to adjust the league calendar to accommodate the preparation of the Philippines men's national basketball team for the 2016 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament. The Commissioner's Cup was extended until May 2016, then the league took a break for the duration of the qualifiers. The season's Governors' Cup will be held after the qualifiers and will finish around October 2016.PBA facing year-long season after giving way to Gilas stint in Olympic wildcard qualifiers, Gerry Ramos, spin.ph, October 14, 2015 The PBA launched their first 3x3 basketball tournament that catered for women's basketball players on October 23. Each active PBA team was represented by one women's team composed of four players. The women's 3x3 tournament games were to be played in between of the first and second games of the Wednesday and Friday gamedays.https://www.rappler.com/sports/pba/110025-pba-launches-womens-3x3-tournament/ PBA launches Women's 3x3 Challenge Rappler October 21, 2015 Philippine Cup The Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters silently changed their name to TNT Tropang Texters. This is after their mother company, Talk 'N Text was rebranded as "TNT" last September 2015. PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa imposed an indefinite ban to Mahindra team consultant Joe Lipa, after the latter accused Narvasa of issuing degrading remarks against Mahindra player-coach Manny Pacquiao during a press conference in Dubai.Castillo Musong R. Narvasa: Pacquiao 'not a basketball player but a boxer' (November 8, 2015) http://sports.inquirer.net/198421/narvasa-pacquiao-not-a-basketball-player-but-a-boxer Philippine Daily Inquirer Narvasa made a mandatory summon over Lipa's remarks, but Lipa did not honor it.Staff SPIN.ph Joe Lipa suspended by PBA for ignoring Narvasa summon over coach's defense of Pacquiao http://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/news/joe-lipa-suspended-by-narvasa-for-failing-to-appear-before-pba-commissioner SPIN.ph November 24, 2015 December 1: PBA President and CEO Chito Salud resigned from his post effective December 31. He was replaced by current PBA chairman Robert Non who took over as president and CEO until the board finds his replacement.http://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/news/pba-chairman-robert-non-takes-over-as-president-and-ceo-in-an-acting PBA chairman Robert Non takes over as president and CEO after league accepts Salud resignation Spin.ph December 3, 2015 During an out of town game between Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Blackwater Elite at the AUF Gymnasium, Pampanga, Barangay Ginebra board governor Alfrancis Chua was seen using an e-cigarette while on the team's bench.Alfrancis Chua and the use of e-cigarettes while on the court https://web.archive.org/web/20151209194626/http://hoops.ph/alfrancis-chua-and-the-use-of-e-cigarettes-while-on-the-court December 9, 2015 , Alvin Fadul, hoops.ph, December 7, 2015 Since the game was broadcast live on national television, the Department of Health, the Philippine Sports Commission and Angeles University Foundation officials requested the PBA to take action on prohibiting the use of e-cigarettes on the team bench.AUF officials, PSC chairman Garcia not happy with Alfrancis Chua e-cigarette incident, Snow Badua, spin.ph, December 12, 2015 On December 13, 2015, PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa issued a reprimand against Alfrancis Chua for the vaping incident.Narvasa reprimands ‘apologetic’ Chua over vaping incident, PBA.ph, December 13, 2015 In the final eight seconds of the overtime period of the knockout quarterfinal game between Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and GlobalPort Batang Pier, review showed that Stanley Pringle held the ball for over 5 seconds, which would have resulted in a five-second violation, but no call was made. After the final buzzer, the Batang Pier already went to the dugout, but Ginebra stayed behind. Ginebra fans, which were more than half of the crowd, were left stunned along with players and the Ginebra coaching staff. Head coach Tim Cone immediately went to center court and pleaded with the referees for a call or a review of the final 8-second possession of Globalport.https://www.rappler.com/sports/pba/117247-ginebra-globalport-controversial-end/ Ginebra-Globalport PBA quarterfinals game marred by controversial end rappler.com Rappler December 27, 2015 December 28, 2015 Bracher, JaneChaos at the MOA Arena Sports5, Youtube.com December 27, 2015 He then went to the scorer's table and signed the official scorecard, signifying the team's intent to file a protest with the game's result. He stayed mum after coming out of the dugout on whether they would actually file a protest. Under the league's rules, Barangay Ginebra had until 12 noon of December 28, 2015, to file a letter of protest together with a bond, which requires a minimum of P20,000.http://sports.inquirer.net/202158/official-protest-an-option-for-ginebra-pba-sets-12nn-deadline Official protest an option for Ginebra; PBA sets 12nn deadline inquirer.net Inquirer Sports December 27, 2015 December 28, 2015 Leongson, Randolphhttps://www.rappler.com/sports/pba/117236-ginebra-globalport-quarterfinals-ph-cup/ Globalport knocks out Ginebra in OT for first-ever semifinals seat rappler.com Rappler December 27, 2015 December 28, 2015 Bracher, Jane Barangay Ginebra did not send a formal protest to the PBA office as the 12 noon deadline lapsed on December 28. Commissioner Chito Narvasa said that the league summoned the four referees of the Ginebra-GlobalPort game, Edward Aquino, Rommel Gruta, Mardy Montoya and Bing Oliva, on December 29 and re-evaluated their performance during the quarterfinal game.http://pba.inquirer.net/65279/no-protest-filed-by-ginebra-commissioner-sets-hearing-for-referees No protest filed by Ginebra; Commissioner sets hearing for referees inquirer.net Inquirer Sports December 28, 2015 December 28, 2015 Leongson, Randolph According to the findings of the PBA technical committee on December 29, two violations were not called: the five-second ball-hogging violation and the backcourt violation committed by Stanley Pringle. Referees Edward Aquino and Rommel Gruta were therefore suspended for the rest of the Philippine Cup.2 erring referees in GlobalPort-Ginebra game suspended for rest of PH Cup, PBA.inquirer.net, December 29, 2015 A total of 16 technical fouls were called during Game 2 of the semifinals series between the Alaska Aces and the GlobalPort Batang Pier on January 6, 2016. An in-game scuffle started when Alaska's Calvin Abueva helped to lift Dondon Hontiveros and bumped GlobalPort's Jay Washington who was helping Anthony Semerad to stand up. Team officials from both sides tried to pacify the players, including commissioner Chito Narvasa. Alaska was assessed with 8 technicals (Abueva, Hontiveros, Manuel, team manager/governor Dickie Bachmann, head coach Alex Compton, and assistant coaches Louie Alas, Monch Gavieres and Jeffrey Cariaso) while GlobalPort got 5 technical fouls (Washington, Semerad, team governor Erick Arejola, head coach Pido Jarencio and team manager Bonnie Tan).PBA: 13 tech fouls called as Batang Pier, Aces get into scuffle, Mark Giongco, Philippine Daily Inquirer, January 6, 2016Technical fouls rain on Alaska vs Globalport PBA semis Game 2, Jane Bracher, Rappler, January 6, 2016 Three more technical fouls were called against GlobalPort's Joseph Yeo, Dorian Peña, and Jay Washington on separate plays.Aces level series, rout Batang Pier in technical foul-filled Game 2 https://web.archive.org/web/20160305123103/http://sports5.ph/sports/basketball/pba/read.php?ref=aces-level-series-in-technical-foul-filled-game-2 March 5, 2016 , Carlo Pamintuan, Sports5.ph, January 7, 2016 The number of technical fouls for this game tied the record of most number of technical fouls called in a single game, tying the record set during a game between the Alaska Milkmen and the Shell Turbo Chargers on October 25, 1997.PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa surprised as Alaska-GlobalPort match ties record for most technical fouls in a game https://web.archive.org/web/20160108034046/http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/pba-commissioner-chito-narvasa-surprised-as-alaska-globalport-game-ties-record-for-most-technical-fouls-in-a-game January 8, 2016 , Rey Joble, InterAksyon.com, January 6, 2016 On January 7, a total of P91,200 in fines were slapped to Alaska and GlobalPort players and officials after the scuffle that happened during Game 2 of their semifinals series. Calvin Abueva got the highest fine with P41,600.PBA slaps P91,200 total fines on Aces, Batang Pier for Game 2 brawl, Alder Almo, The Philippine Star, January 7, 2016 Blackwater Elite women's basketball team consisting of Allana Lim, Camille Sambile, France Mae Cabinbin and Camilla Denise Escoto clinched the inaugural title of the PBA Dickies Women's 3-in-3 tournament in Finals Game 2 against Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel held last January 9, 2016.http://pba.inquirer.net/65803/blackwater-snares-inagural-pba-womens-3-on-3-title Blackwater snares inag ural y PBA Women's 3-on-3 title PBA January 9, 2016 January 10, 2016 The PBA Board of Governors unanimously approve the sale of Barako Bull Energy's franchise to oil firm Phoenix Petroleum on January 20. In addition, the board also got the green light to Phoenix to play in the 2016 PBA Commissioner's Cup instead of waiting until the 2016–17 season. The new team was named Phoenix Fuel Masters.PBA Board OKs sale of Barako Bull, PBA.inquirer.net, January 20, 2016 Commissioner's Cup February 3: Tropang TNT's import Ivan Johnson was suspended for one game and fined P50,000 after an altercation with JP Erram and Frank Golla during their practice game against Blackwater on January 30.TNT import Ivan Johnson suspended 1 game, fined 50k for tuneup fight, Marisse Panaligan, GMA News Online, February 3, 2016 The TNT Tropang Texters silently changed their name to Tropang TNT. The team's new logo debuted on February 10 against Blackwater. February 13: Ivan Johnson was again fined P250,000 and slapped with a lifetime ban after cursing PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa as he was leaving the playing court after being ejected for incurring his second flagrant foul penalty one at the 2nd quarter of their game against Meralco. The decision was announced during the game's halftime break.TNT import Ivan Johnson fined P250k, banned from PBA, PBA.inquirer.net, February 13, 2016PBA bans TNT import Johnson for cursing league officials, Marrisse Panaligan, GMA News Online, February 13, 2016 The penalty was downgraded into a season ban and P150,000 after Johnson voluntarily appeared on February 17 before Commissioner Narvasa and personally apologized for the infraction during the TNT-Meralco game.PBA commissioner Narvasa reduces Ivan Johnson lifetime ban to season-long suspension, Karlo Sacamos, spin.ph, February 17, 2016 February 23: Rhose Montreal, the league's Business Development Director since 2008 filed her resignation to the PBA Board of Governors effective immediately.PBA: Star nails 1st win as Yap starts https://web.archive.org/web/20160304162804/http://sports.tempo.com.ph/2016/02/25/basketball-sports/pba-basketball-sports/pba-star-nails-1st-win-as-yap-starts/ March 4, 2016 , Tito Talao, Tempo, February 25, 2016 Her resignation came on the heels of an investigative report from PBA-banned sportswriter Snow Badua, that questions the authenticity of Montreal's AB Philosophy diploma from the University of the Philippines. On March 7, the PBA Board decided to rehire Montreal as the Business Development Director of the league, for humanitarian reasons, after a lengthy discussion.http://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/news/pba-rehires-resigned-marketing-director-for-humanitarian-reasons-exemplary-performance PBA accepts marketing head's resignation, then rehires her for 'humanitarian reasons, exemplary performance' Sports Interactive Network Philippines March 7, 2016 March 9, 2016 PBA chairman Robert Non clarified in a press conference held on March 13 that Montreal was rehired on two conditions: she forfeited her benefits accumulated from 2008 until her resignation and was put on a 6-month probationary period.Robert Non insists PBA marketing head's controversial rehiring went through proper process, Gerry Ramos, spin.ph, March 13, 2016 March 7: League commissioner Chito Narvasa appointed as the new CEO of the PBA, replacing officer-in-charge Robert Non.http://sports.inquirer.net/208371/pba-commissioner-narvasa-also-appointed-ceo PBA commissioner Narvasa also appointed CEO Mark Giongco inquirer.net March 9, 2016 The President/CEO position was eventually dissolved before the start of the Governors' Cup. The league's Board of Governors through a board resolution requested the assistance of the National Bureau of Investigation to investigate on who leaked the scholastic records of their marketing director, Rhose Montreal to the media. All rank-and-file employees including Commissioner Chito Narvasa was subjected for investigation.NBI probes PBA employees, officials after fake document leak, Jane Bracher, Rappler, March 23, 2016 March 31: The PBA issued a memorandum order that prevent players who have boy-cut hairdos to play in the PBA Women's 3x3 Basketball tournament, the memorandum has received negative feedback from the players and the Gabriela's women's group for being "discriminatory".http://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/news/pba-comes-under-fire-for-discriminatory-rule-banning-boys-haircuts-from-womens-league PBA under fire for 'discriminatory' rule banning boy-cut hairdos from women's league Sports Interactive Network Philippines Badua Snow June 10, 2016 June 14, 2016https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-womens-3-on-3-players-forced-to-comply-with-rules-for-sake-of-playing/56100 PBA women's 3-on-3 players forced to comply with rules for sake of playing Tiebreaker Times Verora, Jr. Levi April 29, 2016 June 14, 2016http://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/news/gabriela-vows-support-for-women-players-against-no-boy-cut-hairdo-rule-in-pba Gabriela offers support for women players against 'no boy-cut hairdo' policy in PBA Sports Interactive Network Philippines Badua Snow June 12, 2016 June 14, 2016 Commissioner Narvasa defended the league's decision to ban boy-cut hairdos in the women's league.https://www.rappler.com/sports/pba/136105-commissioner-narvasa-explains-boy-cut-memo-women-3x3/ Narvasa explains 'boy-cut hairdos' memo for PBA women's 3x3 Rappler June 11, 2016 June 14, 2016 Governors' Cup July 3: Gilbert Bulawan died after collapsing while on team practice with Blackwater Elite. He was declared dead on arrival at Capitol Medical Center in Quezon City, Philippines. He is the youngest and very first active player to die in the PBA.Blackwater forward Gilbert Bulawan dies after collapsing during practice https://web.archive.org/web/20160706101841/http://www.foxsportsasia.com/news/blackwater-forward-gilbert-bulawan-dies-collapsing-practice/ July 6, 2016 , Richard Dy, Fox Sports Asia, July 3, 2016Autopsy performed on Bulawan as officials, fellow players come to grips with shock death, spin.ph, July 3, 2016http://pinoyboxbreak.com/pinoy-news/blackwater-elites-power-forward-gilbert-bulawan-died-during-team-practice/ Blackwater Elite's Power Forward Gilbert Bulawan Died During Team Practice July 3, 2016 pinoyboxbreak.com July 13: The PBA announced the inclusion of female referees in the league's referees pool starting this Governor's Cup, the first in league's history. Edith Botecario and Janine Nicandro, who both graduated in the PBA Referees Academy and once officiated PBA D-League games, became part of the referees that officiated the games.http://pba.inquirer.net/72497/women-referees-set-to-debut-in-pba-governors-cup Women referees set to debut in PBA Governors' Cup PBA.Inquirer.net July 14, 2016 July 14, 2016 Nicandro was one of the three referees of the conference's first match-up between Meralco Bolts and Phoenix Fuel Masters on July 15, 2016,http://sports.abs-cbn.com/basketball/news/2016/07/15/pba-first-female-referee-janine-nicandro-13355 https://web.archive.org/web/20160820201416/http://sports.abs-cbn.com/basketball/news/2016/07/15/pba-first-female-referee-janine-nicandro-13355 dead August 20, 2016 PBA has its first female referee in Janine Nicandro ABS-CBN Sports Lintag Paul July 15, 2016 July 15, 2016 while Botecario officiated the game between Blackwater Elite and NLEX Road Warriors the following day. July 14: PBA-banned sportswriter Snow Badua reported that PBA Communications Director Willie Marcial-owned Chevrolet Trailblazer has illegally using a number 8 plate, a protocol license plate used only by members of the House of Representatives.http://www.snowbadua.com/2016/07/an-abusive-pba-official.html An Abusive PBA Official? July 14, 2016 July 14, 2016 The Phoenix Fuel Masters silently changed their team logo and color scheme. Their new uniforms and logo debuted on July 15. July 16: The Blackwater Elite retired the jersey number of Gilbert Bulawan (#11) before their game against the NLEX Road Warriors. The glass-encased jersey was presented to his wife, Dr. Icey Bulawan by team governor Siliman Sy and Reil Cervantes. As part of their tribute, the Elite will wear a black #11 patch on their jerseys and will dedicate the whole conference to Bulawan.Blackwater gives tribute to late player Gilbert Bulawan after retiring jersey no. 11, Gerry Ramos, spin.ph, July 16, 2016 The Tropang TNT silently changed their name to TNT Katropa. The team's new logo debuted on July 20 against Rain or Shine. August 21: Mark Cardona was rushed to the hospital after a suicide attempt.https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/08/21/16/pba-player-mark-cardona-rushed-to-hospital-for-overdose PBA player Mark Cardona rushed to hospital for overdose news.abs-cbn.com ABS-CBN News August 21, 2016 August 22, 2016 Cardona, who was a reserve player for the NLEX Road Warriors during that time, apparently tried to take his life by consuming a huge amount of prescription pills.http://sports.inquirer.net/220282/nlex-asks-for-privacy-for-cardona-after-pill-overdose NLEX asks for privacy for Cardona after pill overdose sports.inquirer.net Inquirer Sports August 21, 2016 August 22, 2016 Leongson, Randolph A day prior on the incident, he made headlines in TV Patrol after his partner filed a complaint at a Quezon City police station for alleged domestic violence.http://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/news/macmac-cardona-34-overdose-nlex-pba-player PBA player Macmac Cardona now stable in hospital after overdosing on pills SPIN.PH August 21, 2016 August 22, 2016 Badua, Snow October 6: PBA referee Edward Aquino was removed from the pool of referees as confirmed by the league's media bureau chief Willie Marcial. Two other referees, Rommel Gruta and Reynaldo Yante were relegated to the PBA D-League.Wondering why referee Edward Aquino isn't officiating in PBA playoffs? Here's why, spin.ph, October 6, 2016 October 9: During the game 2 of the finals series between the Meralco Bolts and the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Jimmy Alapag of the Bolts sank a three-pointer during the second quarter to surpass the 17-year record of 1,242 career triples made by Allan Caidic and become the all-time leader for most three-pointers made in a career. Rule changes The PBA board approved the rule changes for implementation starting this season:PBA Commissioner's Office releases rule changes for PBA Season 41 PBA.ph, October 14, 2015 Deliberate foul – Any player who commits a foul against an opponent by going after the man instead of the ball but without intent to hurt shall be assessed with a deliberate foul which shall result in awarding of two free throws to the offended player plus ball possession to the offended player's team. No 3-minute sit out for the player who committed the deliberate foul. A deliberate foul committed in the last two minutes of the fourth quarter and overtime period(s) shall be subject to automatic video review. Shot clock reset — The shot clock shall be reset to 14 seconds if the ball goes to the offensive team after a legal attempt. Free throw — During a free throw, a player can only enter the free-throw lane ("restricted area") after the ball has hit the rim. Landing spot rule Leaving a foot on the landing spot of a shooter – if without contact — Flagrant Foul Penalty 1 (FFP1) is called; two Free Throws are awarded; ball possession is retained by the team of offended player; and the offender is sent to the penalty box for three minutes for first offense. Second and subsequent offenses of players from the same team results in a five-minute penalty. A fine of at least Php 5,000.00 is assessed. Leaving a foot on the landing spot of a shooter – if with contact -Flagrant Foul Penalty 2 (FFP2) is called; two Free Throws are awarded; ball possession is retained by the team of offended player; and the offender is ejected from the game. A fine of at least Php 20,000.00 is assessed, whatever is the consequence of the contact and an automatic, minimum one-game suspension is imposed to the offender. Review of goal tending violation under the last two minutes — Any goal tending violation called in the last two minutes of the fourth quarter and overtime period(s) shall be subject to automatic video review. When a foul is called on a shot and a player touches the ball, basket or backboard and there is a chance to score, even if the referees do not call a goal tending violation, it shall likewise be subject to automatic review if it occurred in the last two minutes of the fourth quarter and overtime period(s). In addition, the league modified its shot clock rules, adopting a procedure similar to the NBA and Euroleague, featuring tenths of a second. The shot clock should also display the time remaining in the game. A portable shot clock that is capable of displaying tenths of a second and the time remaining in the game is temporarily installed if the in-venue shot clock is not capable to adopt the new shot clock rule or if the shot clock does not also display the game clock. The time the shot clock changes to tenths is determined by the venue and the brand of clock used. The Mall of Asia Arena uses the NBA and Euroleague rule (final five seconds) since its opening, as its Daktronics unit is the same model used by NBA (most venues, 2011–16) and Euroleague venues (Gran Canaria Arena). The Smart Araneta Coliseum's clock registers tenths in the final ten seconds. Opening ceremonies The opening ceremonies for this season was held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay on October 21, 2015. The first game of the Philippine Cup between the Star Hotshots and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters immediately followed.PBA makes historic first as league calls off 41st season opener due to Typhoon Lando, Gerry Ramos, spin.ph, October 18, 2015PBA moves opening ceremonies, RoS-Star game to Wednesday, PBA.ph, October 18, 2015 The opening was supposed to be held on October 18 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon Cityhttp://manilastandardtoday.com/showbitz/189716/pba-opens-liga-ng-mga-bida-.html PBA opens 'Liga ng mga Bida' Manila Standard Today October 18, 2015 October 19, 2015 March 4, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304112456/http://manilastandardtoday.com/showbitz/189716/pba-opens-liga-ng-mga-bida-.html dead but was suspended due to the onslaught of Typhoon Lando (international name: Koppu). This was the first time that the league cancelled its opening ceremonies due to bad weather. The muses for the participating teams are as follows: Team Muse Alaska Aces Tara, Samantha, and Franchezka BorlainMeet Alaska Aces's muses for PBA Season 41, PBA.inquirer.net, October 13, 2015 Barako Bull Energy Mika ReyesMeet Barako Bull Energy's muse for PBA Season 41, PBA.ph, October 17, 2015 Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Arci MuñozMeet Barangay Ginebra Kings’ muse for PBA Season 41, PBA.ph, October 15, 2015 Blackwater Elite Max CollinsFHM cover girl Max Collins, Alexa Micek leads list of PBA muses; Alyssa Valdez, Mika Reyes eyed, Karlo Sacamos, spin.ph, October 13, 2015 GlobalPort Batang Pier Karylle Mahindra Enforcer Jasmine FitzgeraldAfter Lando delay, PBA opens 41st season, Marisse Pangilinan, GMA News Online, October 21, 2015 Meralco Bolts Eula CaballeroAlyssa Valdez to be Talk ’N Text muse in PBA opening, Naveen Ganglani, Rappler, October 13, 2015 NLEX Road Warriors Ann Lorraine Colis Rain or Shine Elasto Painters Julee Ann BourgoinMeet Rain or Shine Elastopainters’ muse for PBA season 41, PBA.ph, October 15, 2015 San Miguel Beermen Alexa MicekMeet San Miguel Beermen's muses for PBA Season 41, PBA.ph, October 16, 2015 and Rachel Daquis Star Hotshots Miss Global International 2015 candidatesMeet Star Hotshots’ muses for PBA Season 41, PBA.ph, October 17, 2015 TNT Tropang Texters Alyssa Valdez 2015–16 PBA Philippine Cup 2015–16 PBA Philippine Cup Elimination round Playoffs Quarterfinals 1st phase Series y (3) Rain or Shine Elasto Painters* 1–0 (10) Blackwater Elite 95–90 — (4) Barangay Ginebra San Miguel* 1–0 (9) Star Hotshots 92–89 — (5) GlobalPort Batang Pier* 1–0 (8) Barako Bull Energy 94–85 — (6) TNT Tropang Texters* 1–0 (7) NLEX Road Warriors 90–88 — |}*Team has twice-to-beat advantage. Team #1 only has to win once, while Team #2 has to win twice. 2nd phase (3) Rain or Shine Elasto Painters 104–89 (6) TNT Tropang Texters (4) Barangay Ginebra San Miguel 83–84 (5) GlobalPort Batang Pier Semifinals 7 (1) Alaska Aces 4–1 (5) GlobalPort Batang Pier 93–107 100–76 82–69 109–84 118–89 — — (2) San Miguel Beermen 4–2 (3) Rain or Shine Elasto Painters 109–105 97–105 106–111 105–92 103–94 90–82 — |} Finals 2015–16 PBA Philippine Cup Finals 7 (1) Alaska Aces 3–4 (2) San Miguel Beermen 100–91 83–80 82–75 104–110 73–86 89–100 89–96 |} Finals MVP: Chris Ross (San Miguel Beermen) Best Player of the Conference: June Mar Fajardo (San Miguel Beermen) 2016 PBA Commissioner's Cup 2016 PBA Commissioner's Cup Elimination round Playoffs Quarterfinals Series y (1) San Miguel Beermen* 1–1 (8) Star Hotshots 99–108 103–99 (2) Meralco Bolts* 1–0 (7) NLEX Road Warriors 104–97 — |} 3 (3) Alaska Aces 2–1 (6) Tropang TNT 99–106 85–81 99–81 (4) Barangay Ginebra San Miguel 0–2 (5) Rain or Shine Elasto Painters 84–88 89–102 — |} *Team has twice-to-beat advantage. Team #1 only has to win once, while Team #2 has to win twice. Semifinals 5 (1) San Miguel Beermen 1–3 (5) Rain or Shine Elasto Painters 94–98 96–98 104–98 99–124 — (2) Meralco Bolts 2–3 (3) Alaska Aces 94–97 92–87 72–92 86–70 70–76 |} Finals 2016 PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals 7 (3) Alaska Aces 2–4 (5) Rain or Shine Elasto Painters 97–105 103–105 108–112 111–99 86–78 92–109 — |} Finals MVP: Paul Lee (Rain or Shine Elasto Painters) Best Player of the Conference: Calvin Abueva (Alaska Aces) Bobby Parks Best Import of the Conference: Arinze Onuaku (Meralco Bolts) 2016 PBA Governors' Cup 2016 PBA Governors' Cup Elimination round Playoffs Bracket Quarterfinals Series y (1) TNT KaTropa* 1–0 (8) Phoenix Fuel Masters 136–124 — (2) San Miguel Beermen* 1–0 (7) NLEX Road Warriors 114–110 — (3) Barangay Ginebra San Miguel* 1–0 (6) Alaska Aces 109–104 — (4) Meralco Bolts* 1–0 (5) Mahindra Enforcer 105–82 — |}*Team has twice-to-beat advantage. Team #1 only has to win once, while Team #2 has to win twice. Semifinals 5 (1) TNT KaTropa 1–3 (4) Meralco Bolts 113–95 91–106 113–119 88–94 — (2) San Miguel Beermen 2–3 (3) Barangay Ginebra San Miguel 108–115 95–92 96–97 101–72 92–117 |} Finals 2016 PBA Governors' Cup Finals 7 (3) Barangay Ginebra San Miguel 4–2 (4) Meralco Bolts 109–114 82–79 103–107 88–86 92–81 91–88 — |} Finals MVP: LA Tenorio (Barangay Ginebra) Best Player of the Conference: Jayson Castro (TNT KaTropa) Bobby Parks Best Import of the Conference: Allen Durham (Meralco Bolts) Individual awards Leo Awards The PBA Leo Awards Most Valuable Player: June Mar Fajardo (San Miguel) Rookie of the Year: Chris Newsome (Meralco) First Mythical Team: Jayson Castro (TNT) Terrence Romeo (GlobalPort) June Mar Fajardo (San Miguel) Calvin Abueva (Alaska) Arwind Santos (San Miguel) Second Mythical Team: Alex Cabagnot (San Miguel) LA Tenorio (Barangay Ginebra) Asi Taulava (NLEX) Japeth Aguilar (Barangay Ginebra) Sean Anthony (NLEX) All-Defensive Team: Chris Exciminiano (Alaska) Chris Ross (San Miguel) Marc Pingris (Star) Japeth Aguilar (Barangay Ginebra) Gabe Norwood (Rain or Shine) Most Improved Player: Jericho Cruz (Rain or Shine) Samboy Lim Sportsmanship Award: June Mar Fajardo (San Miguel) Awards given by the PBA Press Corps Defensive Player of the Year: Chris Ross (San Miguel) Scoring Champion: Terrence Romeo (GlobalPort) Baby Dalupan Coach of the Year: Leo Austria (San Miguel) Mr. Quality Minutes: Jericho Cruz (Rain or Shine) Bogs Adornado Comeback Player of the Year: Paul Lee (Rain or Shine) Danny Floro Executive of the Year: Raymund Yu and Terry Que (Rain or Shine) Order of Merit: Jayson Castro (TNT) All-Rookie Team Chris Newsome (Meralco) Troy Rosario (TNT) Scottie Thompson (Barangay Ginebra) Arthur dela Cruz (Blackwater) Maverick Ahanmisi (Rain or Shine) All-Interview Team Yeng Guiao (Rain or Shine) LA Tenorio (Ginebra) Paul Lee (Rain or Shine) Jimmy Alapag (Meralco) Arwind Santos (San Miguel) Asi Taulava (NLEX) Statistics Individual statistical leaders Local players Category Player Team Statistic Points per game Terrence Romeo GlobalPort Batang Pier 25.4 Rebounds per game June Mar Fajardo San Miguel Beermen 12.2 Assists per game Jayson Castro TNT KaTropa 6.0 Steals per game Chris Ross San Miguel Beermen 1.9 Blocks per game John Paul Erram Blackwater Elite 1.9 Turnovers per game Terrence Romeo GlobalPort Batang Pier 3.7 Fouls per game John Paul Erram Blackwater Elite 4.3 Minutes per game Stanley Pringle GlobalPort Batang Pier 38.9 FG% Bradwyn Guinto Mahindra Enforcer 60.0% FT% Garvo Lanete NLEX Road Warriors 97.1% 3FG% Aldrech Ramos Mahindra Enforcer 47.5% Double-doubles June Mar Fajardo San Miguel Beermen 37 Triple-doubles Scottie Thompson Barangay Ginebra San Miguel 1 Import players Category Player Team Statistic Conference played Points per game Tyler Wilkerson San Miguel Beermen 36.6 Commissioner's Rebounds per game Kenny Adeleke Phoenix Fuel Masters 20.5 Commissioner's Assists per game Allen Durham Meralco Bolts 5.0 Governors'Steals per game Marqus Blakely Star Hotshots 2.5 Governors' Dominique Sutton GlobalPort Batang Pier Blocks per game David Simon TNT KaTropa 2.7 Commissioner's Turnovers per game Josh Dollard Rain or Shine Elasto Painters 5.7 Governors'Fouls per game Marqus Blakely Star Hotshots 2.5 Governors' Marcus Simmons Phoenix Fuel Masters Minutes per game Tyler Wilkerson San Miguel Beermen 43.0 Commissioner's FG% Brian Williams GlobalPort Batang Pier 66.7% Commissioner's FT% Arizona Reid San Miguel Beermen 88.9% Commissioner's and Governors' 3FG% Robert Dozier Alaska Aces 50.0% Commissioner's Double-doubles Allen Durham Meralco Bolts 22 Governors'Triple-doubles M. J. Rhett Blackwater Elite 1 Commissioner's Elijah Millsap San Miguel Beermen Governors' Individual game highs Local players Category Player Team Statistic Conference Points June Mar Fajardo San Miguel Beermen 43 Philippine Rebounds Greg Slaughter Barangay Ginebra San Miguel 26 Philippine Assists Jayson Castro TNT KaTropa 13 Governors' Steals Chris Ross San Miguel Beermen 7 Philippine Blocks John Paul Erram Blackwater Elite 7 Philippine Three point field goals Joseph Yeo GlobalPort Batang Pier 9 Governors' Import players Category Player Team Statistic Conference Points Al Thornton NLEX Road Warriors 69 Commissioner's Rebounds Arinze Onuaku Meralco Bolts 30 Commissioner's Assists Allen Durham Meralco Bolts 13 Governors' Steals Justin Brownlee Barangay Ginebra San Miguel 6 Governors'Blocks David Simon TNT KaTropa 5 Commissioner's Arinze Onuaku Meralco Bolts Eric Dawson Blackwater Elite Governors'Three point field goals Tyler Wilkerson San Miguel Beermen 8 Commissioner's Michael Madanly TNT KaTropa Governors' Henry Walker NLEX Road Warriors Team statistical leaders Category Team Statistic Points per game Phoenix Fuel Masters 102.9 Rebounds per game Barangay Ginebra San Miguel 49.8 Assists per game Barangay Ginebra San Miguel 22.3 Steals per game Alaska Aces 7.3 Blocks per game San Miguel Beermen 4.9 Turnovers per game Rain or Shine Elasto Painters 17.5 FG% Meralco Bolts 45.3% FT% Mahindra Enforcer 74.8% 3FG% Alaska Aces 35.2% Cumulative standings Note: Barako Bull Energy only competed during the Philippine Cup. The franchise was then bought and a new franchise, the Phoenix Fuel Masters, participated in the import-laden conferences. Their records are not combined since they are different franchises. main WL percentage no no 1 none complete SMB BGSM ROS TNT ALA MER GP NLEX BAR PHX MAH STAR BWE 36 24 5 7 Head-to-head record: NLEX 1–0 Barako Bull 31 18 7 27 17 23 12 23 25 26 15 21 BAR 9 15 33 21 38 20 12 24 26 17 Alaska Aces Barako Bull Energy Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Blackwater Elite GlobalPort Batang Pier Mahindra Enforcer Meralco Bolts NLEX Road Warriors Phoenix Fuel Masters Rain or Shine Elasto Painters San Miguel Beermen Star Hotshots TNT Tropang Texters / Tropang TNT / TNT KaTropa C C C SF F F SF QF QF QF QF QF QF Best finish before gold Champions silver Finalist green1 Semifinalist yellow1 Quarterfinalist red1 Elimination round Elimination rounds main WL percentage no no 1 none complete SMB ALA BGSM TNT ROS MER BAR NLEX GP PHX MAH STAR BWE 22 11 Elimination round head-to-head: Alaska 4–2, TNT 3–3, Barangay Ginebra 2–4 5 6 Elimination round head-to-head: Meralco 2–1 (.667), Barako Bull 1–1 (.500), NLEX 1–3 (.333) 22 11 ALA 7 26 14 19 12 21 Elimination round head-to-head: Phoenix 2–0 Mahindra 15 18 BAR 15 18 BAR 8 14 MAH 20 13 25 8 11 22 22 11 ALA Alaska Aces Barako Bull Energy Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Blackwater Elite GlobalPort Batang Pier Mahindra Enforcer Meralco Bolts NLEX Road Warriors Phoenix Fuel Masters Rain or Shine Elasto Painters San Miguel Beermen Star Hotshots TNT Tropang Texters / Tropang TNT / TNT KaTropa Playoffs main WL wins no no none complete ALA ROS SMB MER BGSM TNT GP PHX STAR BAR BWE MAH NLEX 14 13 0 1 9 7 0 1 3 4 0 2 10 8 0 3 1 1 13 8 13 12 1 2 4 6 Alaska Aces Barako Bull Energy Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Blackwater Elite GlobalPort Batang Pier Mahindra Enforcer Meralco Bolts NLEX Road Warriors Phoenix Fuel Masters Rain or Shine Elasto Painters San Miguel Beermen Star Hotshots TNT Tropang Texters / Tropang TNT / TNT KaTropa See also PBA Women's 3×3 References 30em External links PBA Official Website PBA