PBA considers returning North to ride out lockdown | Inquirer Sports

PBA considers returning North to ride out lockdown

/ 05:12 AM August 07, 2021

TNT’s Brian Heruela (with ball) scores off Phoenix’s Jason Perkins in the last game played before the lockdown. —PBA IMAGES

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is hoping to take refuge in a familiar place as Metro Manila rides out a two-week extreme lockdown.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial told the Inquirer on Friday that the league is looking to resume its Philippine Cup in Pampanga province, the venue of last year’s expensive bubble conference.

Article continues after this advertisement

This after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) announced in its latest resolution that the league can resume its 46th season granted it’s in areas under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) and/or Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ).

FEATURED STORIES

Batangas province, home to several PBA clubs during the preseason workouts, was the league’s prime choice for its relocation. But its current quarantine classification—GCQ with heightened restrictions—pretty much nixed that scenario.

That put Pampanga at the forefront. And understandably so, as the province is currently under the much more relaxed MGCQ. On top of that, it already hosted the PBA when it salvaged the remainder of its season last year, so logistical planning should no longer pose that much of a challenge for the league.

Article continues after this advertisement

The PBA delegation hunkered down in a secure but immensely restrictive setup in Clark Freeport and Angeles City for 72 days. Crowd darling Barangay Ginebra won inside the P65-million project, hoisting a championship like no other.

Article continues after this advertisement

“We’re currently in talks,” Marcial said when asked about a timeline and details about the relocation.

Article continues after this advertisement

The league chief said in a previous interview it will need a window of at least four to five days to iron out any hitches in its transfer plan.

“We’ll be needing a kind of buffer to accommodate things like retesting [of players and staff],” he said. “So there will be a reset of sorts.”

Article continues after this advertisement

In the event that Pampanga also goes under a restrictive lockdown, the league will have to look for another venue once again.

Marcial said the PBA has not considered other locations yet.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

The league has played a total of 26 matches since opening shop last July 16. Magnolia is leading the race, unbeaten in four games. The Gin Kings, on the other hand, are in the middle of the pack with a 2-2 card.

TAGS: PBA, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, Philippine Cup

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.