WITH three imports still unaccounted for, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is bound to open the Governors’ Cup next month at a still undetermined venue.
“It’s no longer doable because imports are not complete and we need more time,” PBA Chairman and TNT Tropang Giga’s governor Ricky Vargas told BusinessMirror on Tuesday. “The quarantine time and practice of imports with their teams are very important.”
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s Justin Brownlee is expected on Thursday and Rain or Shine’s Henry Walker is due later this week. Meralco’s Tony Bishop, a Panamanian, has yet to secure his visa.
Already in town are NorthPort’s Cameron Forte, Magnolia’s Mike Harris, San Miguel Beer’s Brandon Brown, NLEX’s KJ McDaniels, Terrafirma’s Antonio Hester, TNT Tropang Giga’s McKenzie Moore, Phoenix’s Paul Harris, Blackwater’s Jaylen Bond and Alaska’s Olu Ashaolu.
“Sunday is not possible and even our import [Walker] is still not here,” Rain or Shine team owner Raymond Yu said. “I think the opening will be in early December.”
Blackwater’s Dioceldo Sy agreed: “It’s going to be in December.”
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial hinted at a December opening because the league has yet to get the approval from Pasay City, Pasig City, Quezon City, San Juan and Antipolo City for the potential use of venues in their areas.
TNT, meanwhile, seeks a fitting follow up to its championship run as the 3×3 Lakas Ng Tatlo second leg gets underway on Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Almond Vosotros, Jeremiah Gray, Samboy De Leon and Lervin Flores will take on Mac Cardona and the Zamboanga Valientes in the first game set at 2 p.m. The Super Sealers and Braves clash at 2:25 p.m.
The Bolts kick off action in Pool B against Limitless Appmasters at 2:50 p.m., followed by the duel between Pool C teams Purefoods TJ Titans against Pioneer Pro Tibay.