MANILA, Philippines — Coaches expressed belief a sooner-than-expected return to action by the PBA – if safely possible – can provide a positive effect on Filipinos as they get back on their feet in these trying times.
NLEX coach Yeng Guiao said the pro league’s potential resumption could help basketball-loving Pinoys deal better with the mental issues, depressions, and anxiety associated with the extended quarantine.
“May lockdown fatigue na nga. That’s the price we have to pay for now. But we can contribute na kalimutan panandalian ang sitwasyon,” Guiao said. “And if they can see na nakakagalaw na ang PBA, makakapag-bigay ito ng hope and set direction. Makakatulong tayo as a league.”
Barangay Ginebra’s Tim Cone and Meralco’s Norman Black concurred but stressed the pro league should only resume hostilities if it’s already perfectly safe to do so.
“I think all fans miss sports in our daily lives and once sports resume, that will signal a certain level of normalcy, or at least a new normal, which would give hope and allay the fears of society,” Cone said.
“It’s important that we don’t rush back and throw caution to the wind but we do need to get back into action at the soonest possible time, whether it be with or without fans at the games,” he added.
Black said it would be nice to have the games again but maintained safety of players and fans alike should come first in any debate about when the PBA should return.
“The sad reality is that the Philippines is a basketball-loving country and the fans probably miss the game as much as we miss them,” said Black.
“Basketball has always been a form of entertainment and in these trying times of crisis it would be nice if the players could return to performing for the country.”
What’s important now, the Bolts mentor stressed, is that “we not get ahead of ourselves and we keep trust in the decision-making of our health and political leaders so that when we do return, we won’t have any major setbacks.”
“Hopefully, the return of the PBA will be sooner rather than later,” he said.
The PBA has given itself until August to decide on the fate of Season 45.
Much like leagues all over the world, the PBA is drawing up protocols for games under the new normal, including COVID-19 testing for all participants, and constant spraying of disinfectants.
PBA officials are figuring ways how to gradually get the league back in play, starting with the slow return of the ball clubs to workouts on the hard court.