PBA teams can resume practice
PBA teams can resume practice
The PBA said the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force to allow the resumption of practices under strict health guidelines is an added boost to the pro league’s bid to restart the suspended 45th season.
PBA teams can now hold practices based on the IATF resolution released Friday, though they will have to abide by the measures to ensure the safety of the players amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“On track pa din tayo sa PBA, at sana magtuloy-tuloy na to,” said Commissioner Willie Marcial, who added that an emergency meeting with members of the league’s Board of Governors to discuss the decision.
Marcial is also set to meet coaches from all 12 teams on July 10 to discuss the safety measures and air whatever concerns that are needed to be addressed.
“We are very excited to get back on the court,” said Alaska coach Jeffrey Cariaso. “We know that the first step is to have small group workouts and build from there. Right now, we will take any court activity that’s allowed. We miss the baskets, the balls and the smell of the gym.”
Phoenix Super LPG mentor Louie Alas is also “looking forward” to seeing his team get back into training, but added that “hopefully (there will be) super strict measures.”
The PBA had proposed that practices will be divided into batches composed of four players and one trainer each under the watchful eye of a safety officer.
Several teams have already made plans in anticipation of the return. San Miguel Beer team manager Gee Abanilla said “we are still going to meet up and brainstorm on our resumption plans. We have our raw data already with us.”
Meralco team manager Paolo Trillo said the Bolts already have mapped out plans on how to execute the protocols, but said that resumption of training won’t be finalized until the league gives a go-signal for a target date.
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel coach Tim Cone, on the other hand, said important details need to be ironed out before they can think of heading back to their practice facilities.
“So much details need to be worked out,” said Cone. “We’ll still need to find out what the exact protocols will be from the PBA. A lot of work still le to do before we get back on court.”