Marcial saddened over ‘milestone’ PBA season hit by COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — As the resumption of the PBA season remains bleak, commissioner Willie Marcial couldn’t help but rue what happened to what would’ve been a “milestone” year for the league.

The 45th season tipped off on March 8 with a one-game affair that featured defending Philippine Cup champion San Miguel Beer and Magnolia at Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

But that turned out to be only PBA game played so far as the league quickly suspended the season indefinitely amid the coronavirus disease pandemic.

“Nakakapanghinayang (It’s just regretful),” said Marcial in a story on the PBA website.

“It’s supposed to be a season of celebrations because it’s a milestone – the PBA on its 45th season. We were excited especially for the exhibit that we’re going bring all over the country as part of the celebration,” he added.

The PBA had big plans ahead for the 2020 season—one of which is its Hustle, Heart and Hype campaign.

The project involves the league’s inaugural 3×3 tournament and CSR activities among others.

But with most of the world, including the Philippines still grappling with the health crisis, it won’t come much as a surprise if the season goes down the drain altogether.