THE Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) quashed an April 18 opening for the league’s 45th season following the extension of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) for at least another week.
And because Covid-19 infections remain in alarming levels everyday, the PBA isn’t keen on opening anytime soon.
“It’s too very difficult to open by April 18 because the players need to practice and at the same time, because of the current situation,” Ricky Vargas told BusinessMirror on Sunday, the end of the first week of the reimposition of ECQ in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna and Cavite.
The PBA targeted an April 18 opening under a modified bubble or closed circuit format—home-gym-home—over the full bubble environment and eyed the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City as a quarantined venue.
But because of the unabated virus infection and the possibility that the ECQ could be implemented even longer, Vargas said securing approval from the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases looked far-fetched at the moment.
“What’s important is we get the vaccine to get us going for a fruitful season,” said Vargas, reiterating that the 45th season could complete its planned two conferences if the IATF approves a May opening for the league.
“I’m always worried any delay will extend the season [until early next year]. What important is to hold two conferences,” he stressed.
Vargas, who represents TNT Tropang Giga in the league, said that he will call a board meeting this week with Commissioner Willie Marcial to address the situation.
League vice chairman Bobby Rosales of Terrafirma, meanwhile, said it would be improbable to complete two conferences if the league opens beyond May. A conference, he said, needs at least four months to complete.
“We are now facing a scheduling problem. Beyond May, it’s hard to complete two conferences this year,” Rosales said in separate interview. “And we are also waiting for the approval of our request with the IATF to hold the games.”
All 12 teams stopped conducting non-contact drills since last month since the spike of virus cases in the Greater Manila Area. They haven’t held any scrimmages since February.
Vargas, however, refused to give up hope.
“We are hoping that the league could still hold two conferences this year,” he said. “Easter Sunday is all about renewed hope. There is still hope left for us and we will face this pandemic together. We can make it together.”