MANILA – The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is looking to continue its 2020 Philippine Cup by mid-October.
According to PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, the league was forced to adjust its schedule after the National Capital Region was reverted to modified enhanced community quarantine until August 18 due to growing cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
“Kailangan nating sumunod kung ano ang sinabi ng gobyerno. Kaya dapat adjust natin ‘yung testing, adjust natin ‘yung practices,” said Marcial. “Kung sa ikabubuti ng lahat yan, bakit hindi?”
He added: “Ang sinasabi ko nga puwedeng second week of October kahit sagad na ang opening natin. Kung September to October, kaya pang mag-practice.”
As per the league’s timetable, Marcial said players need at least a month for their individual workouts and two or three weeks for their team practices and scrimmages before the Philippine Cup can restart.
San Miguel Beermen and Magnolia Hotshots were the only teams to have played the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup before the competition was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It was a 94-78 victory for the defending champions Beermen./PN
