October or nothing for PBA

MANILA, Philippines — PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said yesterday while he’s careful not to preempt the Board of Governors in deciding whether to resume or cancel the 45th season, it’s unlikely that games will be back this year unless government health authorities clear the staging of 5-on-5 tournaments in October.

The Board will convene in August to determine if the Philippine Cup will continue after just one game last March 8 before suspension due to the pandemic or cancel the entire season. Marcial said there’s a chance to save the campaign but games must return by October to keep the possibility alive. Time is a limitation and Marcial said teams must be given at least a month of training before resuming the season. Anything less than a month of training may put players at unnecessary risk of injury.

Marcial said in the Board’s video conference meeting last May 5, a proposal to continue the Philippine Cup in a “bubble” situation was taken up. It involved strict COVID-19 testing, quartering, imposing health protocols and a compact schedule with no audience. The proposal came from Ginebra assistant coach Richard del Rosario. In a way, the proposal was an expanded simulation of a FIBA World Cup-type of competition.

“Salamat kay coach Richard sa kanyang initiative,” said Marcial. “It was a good proposal but the Board decided to put it in the backburner for the moment. There were certain issues that needed to be addressed, like kung papayag ang LGU na matuloy ang laro sa venue ng kanyang sakop, the expenses for launching it, the risk-and-cost factor, the mobilization of people like referees, tables officials to make it happen. Sa NBA, ang balita is they’re thinking of resuming the season in July in one site in Florida but wala pang clarity sa logistics at format. All it takes is just one person on site to test positive at baka ‘di na tuloy.”

Marcial said the PBA is always open to suggestions, comments and ideas from players, coaches and fans. “Kung may magandang proposal kahit saan manggaling, ready kami to incorporate and if it involves policy, we’ll bring it up to the Board,” he said.

Marcial said he’s hoping the PBA draft will push through this year. Postponing it to 2021 will create some confusion when sorting out 2020 draft picks that were traded. But there may be a dearth of rookie talent available because graduating collegiate standouts this year may be given an extra season of eligibility because of the suspension of varsity leagues.  The D-League requirement may be waived for the next draft and that will open the doors for rookie applicants.  Marcial said the Board will decide whether or not to allow waivers, exceptions or exemptions. “Malamang pag-uusapan namin ‘yan sa Board,” he said.

Marcial said before the PBA reopens its offices in full force on June 1, the entire staff will have been tested for COVID-19 through San Miguel Corp.’s facilities. “We’ve been conducting Management Committee meetings by zoom and talking to staff,” he said. “Tuloy ang ‘Kamustahan’ sa Facebook page every Wednesday and Sunday. We’re continuing to meet with Excite to discuss our marketing, preparing new normal protocols once government gives its go-signal to resume games and going all-out sa social media in communicating with the fans. Pagdating ng panahon, handa magsimula kaagad ang PBA.”