Mar 24, 2021

PBA supports IATF bubble amid Covid surge

THOUGH thrown off track, the Philippine Basketball Association supports the government move to curve the COVID-19 surge.

Not just the regular PBA season but also the targeted inaugural PBA 3x3 play has been stymied by the IATF bubble in Metro Manila and nearby provinces aimed at mitigating the further spread of COVID-19.

"Nabulabog pati 3x3," said PBA commissioner Willie Marcial on the effect to the league by the infection surge.

"Paano sisimulan eh hinto ang lahat? Mahirap gumawa ng programa at schedule. Kailangan pa niyan mag-praktis, eh paano mag-pra-praktis?" Marcial added.

The league commissioner stressed, though, that they're rallying behind the government and its end desire to curve the pandemic.

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Prior to the COVID surge, Marcial and league chairman Ricky Vargas personally presented to government officials in Malacañang their plans for the staging of PBA Season 46.

The league initially set an April 11 opening then moved it to April 18.

"Hindi na muna namin ipa-follow yung mga request namin for approval because we know well the situation we are in," said Marcial.

"We'll wait for April 5, the end of the two-week IATF bubble. We'll wait for their announcement, then we'll assess the situation," Marcial added.

Shelved is the plan by the league to have their teams starting scrimmages at least two weeks before April 18.

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"Pati yung 3x3, hindi rin masisimulan," said Marcial on the supposed 3x3 opener on the first Friday after the PBA season inaugurals. (SB)