'Closed-circuit beneficial for mental health'

WHEN asked about his view on the proposed closed-circuit “bubble” setup that the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is leaning toward for its 46th season, the first thing that came to Gabe Norwood’s mind was that it would be beneficial to mental health.

“Absolutely, [it would be beneficial]. In terms of mental health, we players have different kinds of needs and situations. Personally, me, having my wife and kids…or guys who might be single, used to being alone…or just extroverts, used to be around people…they kind of stay sane and focused on what they’re trying to do,” shared Norwood of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters during Noli Eala’s “Power and Play” program on Saturday.

“I think mental health plays a big role in it. Personally, I think my Gilas experience prepared me for the [2020 Philippine Cup] ‘bubble;’ just being used to long training camps and being away for months. My wife and my children kind of understand that. It’s definitely a good way to approach it for guys to perform to the best of their abilities,” said the veteran national team member.

Of course, Norwood was a part of the 2020 Philippine Cup “bubble setup,” which had the whole PBA delegation stay in Pampanga for two months.

While the closed-circuit “bubble,” where the PBA delegation is limited to a home-venue-home setup, presents a lot of challenges, the 6’5” forward said the players’ desire to finally play for the first time in many months outweighs those difficulties.