Tenorio, Lee, Belga: Let’s go ahead and do it!
PBA stars willing to stay in quarters for PH Cup duration
Several superstar players support the plan of the PBA board to have teams live in quarters as part of a protocol to maintain safety if and when the league resumes the Philippine Cup later this year.
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel guard LA Tenorio said yesterday that if staying in quarters with teammates, coaches and utility personnel is one way to return to action, he is all for it.
“Kami naman bilang mga players kung ano ang decision ng PBA board at ng Commissioner’s Office, suportado namin yan,” said Tenorio when contacted by Manila Bulletin.
“Kung ito ba yung sa tingin nila na maganda para makabalik tayo, OK yan. Yes, mapapalayo sa family – medyo matagal din – pero trabaho namin ‘to, konting sakripisyo sabi nga.”
Ginebra representative Alfrancis Chua bared the other day that the board is “brainstorming” for ways to craft protocols that will be forwarded to the government for approval.
Aside from the swab tests for the coronavirus and other important measures necessary to prevent infection, Chua said that having teams live in a quarters for two to three months is a possibility.
“Para makasiguro tayo na ang pupuntahan lang ensayo, game venue, and quarters,” said Chua. “Hindi na kailangan pa na 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 kinu-consider. If and when ready na kami, we’ll present it sa government for approval,” added Chua.
Paul Lee of Magnolia Hotshots said the important thing is the safety of all concerned.
“Sa panahon ngayon pinaka-importante is yung kaligtasan ng lahat eh – lalo ng pamilya namin,” said Lee. “Kung yun ang maging decision ng board and eventually mapayagan ng government, yung ang gagawin namin.”
The league opened its 45th season last March 8 with the all-Filipino conference although Commissioner Willie Marcial promptly suspended the games following news of the outbreak.
Veteran Rain or Shine center Beau Belga said he shares the sentiments of both Tenorio and Lee, and just like them he too is excited to return to competitive basketball.
“Nakakaburyo na din na walang basketball,” said Belga. “Nakakapagtraining naman kami sa mga bahay namin, pero iba pa din yung ensayo talaga and yung naglalaro ka kaya kung matutuloy, suportado natin ‘yan.”