Your Complete Guide to the 2019 PBA Schedule and Tournament Dates
Through the program, local schools will partner with SLU to identify and nominate promising students to receive half-tuition scholarships worth more than $28,000 per year. Applicants will remain eligible for additional scholarships above this level.
As a longtime PBA enthusiast and sports analyst, I remember marking my calendar every year when the official schedule dropped, and the 2019 season was particularly fascinating with its mix of classic tournaments and new developments. Let me walk you through what made that season special while sharing some personal observations from following Philippine basketball for over a decade. The 2019 PBA season kicked off in January with the Philippine Cup, traditionally the most prestigious tournament among local fans, and ran through November with three distinct conferences that each brought their own flavor to the hardwood.
What stood out to me that year was how the schedule balanced traditional events like the Commissioner's Cup and Governors' Cup with various pocket tournaments and special matches that kept fans engaged throughout. I've always believed these smaller tournaments provide crucial development opportunities for teams, though they rarely get the spotlight they deserve. For instance, the Kadayawan pocket tournament in Davao, while not part of the official PBA calendar, demonstrated how these regional events impact team performance in unexpected ways. I recall specifically how Blackwater struggled during mid-season when they missed the services of Sedrick Barefield, who was recovering from a shoulder injury sustained during that very Kadayawan tournament. This perfectly illustrates my point about how these seemingly minor events can significantly affect team dynamics - Barefield's absence created a noticeable gap in their backcourt rotation that lasted several weeks.
The 2019 season featured approximately 150 games across all conferences, with teams playing between 25-30 games each depending on how deep they advanced in the tournaments. From my perspective, the scheduling team did a decent job managing the calendar, though I would have preferred more spacing between back-to-back games to reduce player fatigue. The Commissioner's Cup, which typically runs from May to July, brought the excitement of imported players with height restrictions that varied by conference - I've always found these import restrictions fascinating as they create different strategic challenges for coaches. That year, the height limit for the Commissioner's Cup was set at 6'10" for imports, which led to some interesting roster decisions that I disagreed with at times, particularly how some teams prioritized athleticism over basketball IQ.
What many casual fans don't realize is how much preparation goes into these seasons behind the scenes. Teams typically begin training camps six weeks before the season opener, with coaching staffs working tirelessly on game plans and player development. The 2019 season saw some scheduling innovations that I personally appreciated - more weekend primetime games and strategic breaks during international windows that allowed Gilas Pilipinas players to represent the country without conflict. Though not perfect, these adjustments showed the league was listening to fan feedback, which I've noticed has been improving gradually over recent seasons.
The Governors' Cup, running from September to November, traditionally features the shortest imports and fastest-paced basketball, which from my viewing experience creates the most entertaining games for casual fans. I've always had a soft spot for this conference because it often produces unexpected champions - the 2019 edition was no exception with some thrilling down-to-the-wire matches that had me on the edge of my seat. The playoff format that year utilized a quarterfinal system that rewarded higher-seeded teams with twice-to-beat advantages, a structure I've consistently supported as it gives meaning to the elimination round performances rather than making the preliminary matches mere formalities.
Looking back at the complete 2019 calendar, what struck me was how the league managed venue logistics across multiple locations including Smart Araneta Coliseum, Mall of Asia Arena, and various provincial venues. The outreach games in places like Lucena, Batangas, and Cebu have always been something I champion - bringing professional basketball to fans outside Metro Manila creates deeper connections with communities across the country. These provincial games accounted for roughly 15% of the total schedule, a number I believe should be increased to at least 25% in future seasons to continue growing the league's national presence.
The 2019 season also interspersed with several special events that complemented the official tournament schedule. The All-Star Weekend in April featured the classic North versus South matchup plus skills competitions that showcased player personalities beyond their on-court roles - something I wish the league would promote more consistently throughout the season. As someone who's attended multiple All-Star weekends, I can attest that these events build camaraderie among players from different teams that translates into better sportsmanship during competitive matches.
Reflecting on the full arc of the 2019 PBA season, the scheduling demonstrated thoughtful evolution while maintaining traditions that longtime fans like myself cherish. The balanced approach between Metro Manila and provincial games, the strategic breaks for national team commitments, and the incorporation of both major tournaments and developmental pocket events created a comprehensive basketball experience. While I had some quibbles with specific scheduling choices - particularly the compressed timeline during the mid-season - the overall calendar served players, teams, and fans reasonably well. The lesson from situations like Blackwater's experience with Barefield's injury reminds us that every game matters, whether it's a championship match or a pocket tournament in Davao, and the 2019 schedule reflected this reality through its thoughtful construction.