PBA games won’t be the same right away when season resumes

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — If and when the PBA resumes its season, it’s going to take some time before things will go back to how they used to be when the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) wasn’t around.

The PBA has been suspended indefinitely since March 11 with the possible resumption of its 45th season still uncertain. But one thing’s for sure, games won’t be the same right away.

“It’s going to be different. We can’t do the things we used to do in the past, grabbing each other, and doing certain things. Everybody is going to be cautious,” said NLEX big man Asi Taulava during the first episode of PBA Kamustahan which aired over the league’s Facebook page on Sunday.

“Hindi naman puwedeng after ng pandemic isang buhos lang back to normal na (We can’t be normal right away after this pandemic),” said Rain or Shine big man Beau Belga.

Magnolia Hotshots forward Marc Pingris even expects players arriving at games wearing face masks and gloves as necessary precaution against the deadly virus.

“Baka PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) na nga ang maging uniform eh,” Ping joked.

(We may need to wear PPE as our uniform.)

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial had said the league will make its decision by August on whether to push through by playing just one conference or cancel the season altogether.

Marcial, who also joined during the latter part of the 30-minute conversation, reiterated that the PBA will follow the government’s guidelines and protocols in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The NCR has been under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) since mid March and will be placed under modified ECQ beginning May 16 where staging sporting events will remain prohibited.

Reigning six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, who is still recovering from leg surgery, as well as TNT center Poy Erram also took part in the online show.

“Then again when things start to calm and down and the virus becomes under control, we’ll all become our regular self. But right now, it’s going to take time,” said the 47-year-old Taulava.