One or none

It appears that only two options remain for the PBA in determining what to do with the 45th season that was suspended after only one game last March. Resume the Philippine Cup in October or cancel the entire campaign. A decision will be made by the PBA Board of Governors in August to consider government guidelines in relation to sports-related activities.

Under ECQ or GCQ, government has suspended “sports-related mass gatherings like trainings, games, tournaments (and) championships.” The suspension also includes working out in gyms, fitness studios and sports facilities which will stay closed. Cinemas, conventions, theaters and large concerts are also covered by the ban. The PSC has called off all sports activities until December as the government agency realigns its budget for the year to allocate resources in the fight against the coronavirus.

Gym owners are appealing for leniency under GCQ, explaining the importance of being physically fit in this difficult time. They’re prepared to submit a list of health and safety protocols so gyms are well-sanitized and gym-goers well-protected if government agrees to relax the ban.

In the PBA’s case, commissioner Willie Marcial said the Board’s decision will depend on government guidelines. While players and fans are eager for the season to resume, Marcial said the league won’t risk anyone’s safety. For a while, the option of saving two conferences this season was on the table. That was over a month ago when it still wasn’t clear how widespread the pandemic would be. Now, it’s a case of one or none.

If the crisis is abated and the situation becomes under control, the PBA could re-open by October after a month of training to bring players back to game-shape. It may be an abbreviated version of the Philippine Cup. Marcial said the Management Committee is now drafting proposals for safety and health protocols in case the season is resumed. “We want to be ready baka biglang pwede na mag-resume,” he said.

The Commissioner’s and Governors Cups, both featuring imports, are no longer under consideration. “It’s logical to do only the Philippine Cup,” said Marcial. “’Di natin alam what travel restrictions there could be. Makakarating ba mga imports? Kung makarating sila, they’ll be quarantined for 14 days before being allowed to practice.  Paano kung magpapalit ng imports during the conference? With the Philippine Cup, nandito na mga players. Once government allows, they’re good to go.”

It’s possible that if games are resumed, audience will be limited. Playing behind closed doors isn’t a remote possibility. At least, games can be played with media coverage. Playing before empty seats will be a strange feeling for sure. Forget the magic of the sixth man. The crowd won’t be a factor anymore. It won’t be the same without fans cheering themselves hoarse for their favorite teams. But it’s not as if games haven’t been played behind closed doors.  In 2018, the Philippines beat Qatar, 92-81, in a FIBA World Cup qualifying game with the audience limited to officials and selected media at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The MPBL held Game 2 of the Northern Division finals between San Juan and Makati behind closed doors at the Filoil Flying V Arena the day before suspending the Lakan Cup season last March.

Marcial said the PBA is studying what the league’s “new normal” will be like. Social media will be more active in communicating with fans, he mentioned. He’s been conferring with Excite executives on marketing initiatives once things are back in business. Anything can happen between now and August when the Board reconvenes to decide the 45th season’s fate. The PBA intends to cope with whatever eventuality comes its way.