PBA takes first step to restart

Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) coaches are excited yet cautious, as teams have been given the go signal to return to training and conditioning on July 22—the first of many steps the league needs to take in its bid for a season restart.Players, coaches and staff members of all 12 clubs, however, are required to clear COVID-19 swab tests before they can do so.

“I’m very happy and pleased that we’ve taken the first step,” Alaska coach Jeffrey Cariaso told the Inquirer. “It’s a tremendous lift to [our] spirits.

The PBA—like most sports in the country and the world—was shut down in March, with the league’s leadership banning even practices as the coronavirus wrought havoc. And after four months, there seems to be a small light at the end of the tunnel.Phoenix coach Louie Alas said he is excited getting back to work. But he believes that it will take a collective effort to make this PBA concept of a bubble to work.“Coaches and health officers must implement the protocols to the letter,” said Alas, who also has a son, Kevin, playing for another team.

Transparency will also play a crucial role, according to Alas.

“After every practice, we all should head straight home. Otherwise, they have to make it known where they’re headed,” he added.“For months, there was no basketball and no exercise for some players” Columbian coach Johnedel Cardel said. “So everyone’s raring to go.” INQ