PBA can shoulder vaccine for teams

MANILA, Philippines — Commissioner Willie Marcial yesterday said the PBA is willing to shoulder the cost of vaccination for the 12 member teams on a limited basis once the vaccine becomes available locally.

“It can be the PBA or it can be the teams that will shoulder the cost,” Marcial said during yesterday’s “The Chasedown” sports program on One PH of Cignal TV.

“We (PBA) can take care of it but only to a limited number like 25, 30 or 40 pax (persons) per team. Beyond that, it will be up to the teams,” he added.

The Philippine government is expecting to roll out the vaccine by the first half of next year but with high-risk areas and sectors to be prioritized.

“It really depends on the government who will have access to the vaccine first so we’ll see,” he said.

“But if they allow us to start purchasing, why not? For those (players) based overseas, if they can get it there and they want to get their shots, then go ahead,” said Marcial, who also  bared the PBA’s plans to donate vaccines to frontliners.

Meanwhile, Gilas Pilipinas will not enjoy  the services of Filipino teen sensation Kai Sotto in the third and final window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers due to a conflict in schedule with the planned NBA G League season, where Sotto will see action.

According to Jonathan Givony of Draft Express, 18 G League teams, including Sotto’s Ignite squad, are now committed to play in the previously uncertain season.

The season unfolds in February and will coincide with Asia Cup Qualifiers set on Feb. 18-22 in Clark, Pampanga. Earlier, the 7-foot Sotto aired his willingness to play for Gilas in the event in Clark.