MANILA, Philippines — PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said yesterday the ball is in IATF’s hands as to when the league’s 46th season will start at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig and the Ynares Center in Antipolo but he’s hoping for a go-signal to launch this month.
IATF has allowed the PBA to conduct 5x5 scrimmages in NCR Plus under bubble conditions in GCQ with “some” restrictions. Marcial submitted his proposal to start the season before the Technical Working Group (TWG) made up of some 40 government agencies in a meeting yesterday afternoon. The TWG will submit its recommendation to IATF. If the season begins in July, it will be for two conferences ending in January next year.
Marcial said he has consulted former Rizal governor Jun Ynares on the availability of both venues and was given the thumbs up. “Sana makaumpisa na tayo second or third week ng July pero depende ‘yan sa IATF,” said Marcial. “Gobyerno ang nakakaalam kung kailan tayo pwedeng magumpisa. Closed-circuit system ang proposal ng PBA at walang audience with minimum personnel sa loob ng playing venue.” Marcial said he plans to pay a courtesy call on Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto before the games resume.
Marcial said at the moment, 95 percent of PBA players, coaches and staff are vaccinated. The remaining balance is for those awaiting a second dose or choosing a particular vaccine brand. Since 5x5 scrimmages were permitted in GCQ and MGCQ areas, Marcial said the incidence of positive cases has been negligible. Out of over 400 tested, only six turned out positive – two asymptomatic and four with mild symptoms requiring no hospitalization. Those who tested positive were immediately placed in isolation to avoid contamination.
Marcial’s report to the TWG included the PBA’s successful experience in the Clark bubble which became the blueprint for the recent FIBA Asia Cup third qualifying window.