Vargas bats for PBA-China friendly

MANILA, Philippines — Chairman Ricky Vargas is pushing for a friendly betwen a PBA selection and a team from China to touch off Season 46 and provide inspiration to Filipinos in these trying times.

Commemorating both “Araw ng Kagitingan” and the PBA’s 46th anniversary yesterday, Vargas wants a selection to be named PBA Warriors and possibly coached by Yeng Guiao to “lead a courageous charge for national pride and honor” in a series of games against the Chinese.

“I would like to see Season 46 jumpstarted with this exhibition match, the technical aspects of which could be crafted by our tournament officials. We need to give our people inspiration and hope. I will even join the team in their friendlies,” said the TNT Tropang Giga executive who’s in his fourth term as PBA chairman.

The PBA yesterday remembered its 1975 grand opening at the Big Dome amid another lockdown.

Asia’s first play-for-pay league initially planned to commence action this month. But a surge in new COVID-19 cases in NCR and four nearby provinces led to the re-imposition of the stricter enhanced community quarantine and threw a wrench on the plans.

As it looks to start soon, Vargas laid down the first order of business.

“Get all the players vaccinated as part of the country’s healing process,” he said. “We need to rally our people towards a common goal. Let us all sacrifice for the greater good and for a stronger PBA. We will pivot, deliver, transform and perform.”

Meralco Bolts governor Al Panlilio wishes for the PBA to “continue to be at the forefront of the development of Philippine basketball through relentless innovation and strategic leadership.”

“Hopefully we can resolve the issues of the pandemic. It is my wish that we are able to provide for vaccinations for the PBA family and protect everyone,” said Panlilio, also the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president.