MANILA – The 2020 (PBA) Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup action could likely resume by May at the earliest depending on how the country controls the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said they will assess the situation when the “community quarantine” in Metro Manila ends on April 14 and then they will give the teams at least two additional weeks to get in shape.
“Hindi naman kami kaagad maglalaro, bibigyan namin sila ng one or two more weeks to practice bago tayo magsimula (ng conference),” said Marcial.
The PBA commissioner added that the extra two weeks of training is necessary since he mandated the teams last week to stop practices and other activities for the next two weeks.
“Hindi rin kasi natin alam, kasi during practices around 30 or 40 people ang nandoon. Andiyan ‘yung mga players, coaching staff, utility men and ‘yung mga nangangasiwa sa gym,” he said.
Marcial added:“Hindi natin alam baka mamaya meron sa kanila na carrier, or safe ba lahat sila. So, mas maganda na pinatigil muna natin lahat ng practices.”
While he ordered the ban of team practices, Marcial said players who would want to train or stay in shape on their own could do so but will be better if they do their thing at home.
“Kung gusto nilang magpa-kundisyon at bukas naman ‘yung gym (okay lang), pero iniiwasan na po namin ‘yung gathering, iniiwasan na po muna namin ‘yung magkasama-sama,” he said./PN
