Players stay in quarters 2-3 months under plan
League governors crafting protocols to present to gov’t for restart of season
The PBA board of governors is now deep in discussion on protocols and recommendations that would be presented to government officials later with the end goal of resuming the stalled 45th season.
Alfrancis Chua, who represents Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, said that board representatives are now “brainstorming” various ways to return to basketball action.
“We’re talking about ways on how to resume the PBA, we’re thinking of protocols,” said Chua, also the sports director of San Miguel Corporation, when contacted yesterday by Manila Bulletin.
“If and when the board decides on it, we’ll present it to the government. Whatever the decision would be, we’ll respect, of course; we’ll follow what the government would tell us.”
The league formally opened its 45th season last March 8 with the All-Filipino conference, but PBA commissioner Willie Marcial announced its suspension after one game due to the coronavirus health crisis.
Aside from the games, the PBA also ordered the cancellation of team practices.
Chua said that if the PBA returns this year, it will only be for one conference — the resumption of the Philippine Cup. Marcial had already mentioned that the all-Filipino conference is the logical one to continue since the players are all available.
The board, Chua said, shares the sentiment.
“Kasi nga andyan naman yung mga players natin. Hindi na tayo kailangan pang kumuha ng imports. Saka itutuloy lang natin dahil nag-start na naman na tayo,” Chua said.
Aside from the regular swab testing, and limiting personnel at the venue, one important thing the board is discussing is having teams stay in quarters for two to three months.
Chua said that would guarantee team members – as well as their families – would be safe.
“Siguro two to three months naka-quarters ang team. Konting sakripisyo kung gustong makabalik ng PBA… trabaho namin ito eh. Para makasiguro tayo na ang pupuntahan lang ensayo, game venue and quarters,” said Chua.
“Hindi na kailangan pa umuwi ng bahay para safe din ang families ng players, ng team members. Lahat yan tinitignan namin sa board, lahat ng protocols pati testing lahat kinuconsider.”
Games would be played behind closed doors, with no spectators allowed.
There is no target date for the return, but Chua said it might be in the last quarter of 2020. After all, it would require about one to two months fore players to train before returning to action.
NLEX coach Yeng Guiao, who has been vocal in his desire to restart the games, said that the PBA can likewise look at other sports and leagues abroad, like in Europe, which had several football tournaments back in action.
“Pwede tayo tumingin sa ginagawa ng ibang liga, hindi lang sa NBA. I’ve been discussing measures kay Commissioner Marcial para makabalik na din ang PBA,” said Guiao.
“Tama na unti-unti, para makabalik tayo, makatulong man lang tayo sa mga kababayan natin. Kasi sport, lalo ang basketball, malaking bagay yan na mayroong napapanood ang tao, lalo ang PBA.”