Jul 08, 2020

On cusp of training return, Cone stresses importance of protocol compliance

IT'S on them.

Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone said the sole responsibility to keep the "bubble" rests on their shoulders, hoping members of the PBA family be on one page together in a bid to get back to play and salvage PBA Season 45.

"This is on us to make sure we're doing the right thing. We can't really have a wildcard out there doing his own thing," said Cone on TV5's Sports Page on Tuesday.

"If we can prove that we are doing this the right way, prove to the IATF [Inter-Agency Task Force] and the board, I think we can progress to a point that we are playing games," Cone added.

The twice grand slam-winning coach feels a big key is strict compliance with health protocols as the 12 ball clubs are now on the cusp of a return to non-scrimmage training as approved by the IATF.

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PBA commissioner Willie Marcial convenes the coaches and team managers in a meeting Friday to firm up their bubble guidelines and method of training return.

Marcial is ready to accept ideas and suggestions that hopefully can help lead to season restart by October or by September.

"Ang first step, coaches meeting kami and team managers meeting sa Friday para kausapin sila regarding the protocols, comments, suggestions at kung ano pa maidadagdag nila," the league chieftain said.

For his practice plan for the Gin Kings, Cone said: "I'm gonna make them sprint up and down the floor, kill 'em right away.

"That's the thing they miss the most, being back together again and doing something you love to do," he added.

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But Cone insisted everybody must follow guidelines and protocols strictly. He said the presence of a strict protocol guy, not intimidated by players, could help.

The PBA has batted for six people per session - four players plus a trainer and a health officer - but Games and Amusements Board chairman Baham Mitra said the IATF allowed only five pax per batch during General Community Quarantine. (SB)