PBA ON STAndby mode

April 18 opener not doable

MANILA, Philippines — With the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in effect in Metro Manila and four nearby provinces this week and even beyond, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial conceded the planned April 18 opening for Season 46 won’t be achievable at this time.

“Baka hindi na kaya (Might not be doable),” Marcial told The STAR yesterday. “Hopefully (by the) last week of April or first week of May (we can do it).”

The re-imposition of stricter protocols in NCR, Cavite, Rizal, Laguna, and Bulacan has stymied the pro league’s bid to get government clearance to start holding 5-on-5 scrimmages and stage the Philippine Cup in Antipolo City.

The ECQ status, which started Monday, has forced the PBA to suspend the “non-contact strength and sport-specific training” for all the 12 teams trying hard to keep their players in shape.

According to the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), professional sports training  shall be limited to “solo or individual training activities conducted indoors or anywhere within the individual’s private property,” which is definitely not the type of training that should get the players ready if the season were to start on April 18.

Marcial said the pro league should wait whether the government will downgrade the ECQ status after Sunday or extend it further.

This early, medical groups have recommended the extension of the ECQ in the covered areas.

“Hintayin namin sa April 5 (Monday) kung ano na ang magiging CQ natin; from there, titignan namin kung ano’ng dapat (Let’s find out first what our quarantine classification will be on April 5 and take it from there),” said Marcial.

He said he has spoken to PBA chairman Ricky Vargas regarding the holding of a special board meeting next week.

The PBA is looking to hold two conferences this year, including an import-flavored tournament, under a closed-circuit setup.