WITH only pro leagues including the PBA, allowed to resume workouts under the current COVID-19 pandemic, the D-League won't likely be holding a tournament this season.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said since amateur players are still prohibited to play, the league considered as the breeding ground of the PBA is setting aside its operation by next year already.
"As of now bawal pa yung amateurs, (kaya) talagang hindi pa puwedeng simulan yung D-League," said the amiable commissioner.
The D-League was able to kick off the season with the Aspirants' Cup featuring some of the country's top varsity teams in a tournament that also served as a preview for the annual collegiate season.
But the outbreak of the pandemic in early March forced the PBA to shut down its operations indefinitely.
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With the year now down to its final quarter and just pro athletes given the go-signal of getting back to practice, the window of opportunity for the D-League to even play just a single conference this year is getting slimmer.
"Hindi pa talaga puwede yung mga amateurs, so alam ko by next year pa," said Marcial.
Aside from the Aspirants' Cup, the Foundation Cup completes the D-League's two-conference format for the season.
Cignal HD-Ateneo De Manila is the defending Aspirants' Cup champion, while BRT Sumisip Basilan-St. Clare is the Foundation Cup reigning title holder. (RG)
