PBA teams begin full contact practices ahead of resumption

MANILA, Philippines—The PBA officially began its full-contact practices Thursday at Angeles University Foundation in Pampanga as the league’s 2020 season heads into its resumption amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Magnolia, Meralco, Phoenix, Terrafirma, and TNT were all scheduled for practice and scrimmage a couple of days after they arrived at Quest Hotel for the PBA’s bubble.

The Hotshots and Bolts took the main and second floors, respectively, at AUF at 1 pm until 3 pm with Fuel Masters and Dyip taking their place at 3:30 with the 30-minute gap getting designated for sanitation.

The Giga were the last to take the main court at 6pm.

This was the first time PBA teams got to implement full-contact practices after social distancing protocols in Metro Manila only allowed them to conduct group and individual workouts.

Friday practices will start early at 7 am with Alaska and Blackwater taking its turn.

Ginebra, NLEX, NorthPort, San Miguel, and Rain or Shine will also have their first runs on Friday with Magnolia, Meralco, Phoenix, TNT, and Terrafirma getting their second day of practices.