ALL 12 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) teams could start 5-on-5 scrimmages as early as May 18 not in Metro Manila but in Batangas City instead, according to PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial.
Marcial told a virtual press conference on Friday afternoon that Batangas City would be willing to host the PBA teams. The city and Batangas province is under modified general community quarantine.
“We were told by the local government unit leaders to shore up our protocols, but we assured them that we actually have stringent measures,” Marcial said. “But we are looking to adopt new testing protocols. All the practice venues are good.”
Marcial said the Batangas Coliseum and Batangas State University and Lyceum gyms meet the league’s standards, adding each could accommodate three teams a day for practice.
But Marcial didn’t hint on the league opening its 46th season in any of those facilities.
Batangas City is 92 kms away from Metro Manila, equivalent to a two-hour drive.
He added that teams could also hold bubble training camp in Batangas City.
“Hopefully, practices can begin the earliest on May 18, but I will meet next week all team representatives, including managers, players and coaches, to let them know of the protocols,” he said. “We have a new system of swab testing, that everyone should be tested seven days prior to returning to practice.”