PBA is here to help its players on and off court, says Willie Marcial

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Call it revolutionary or not but the PBA took a step in helping players not only take care of their physical bodies but also their mental health.

During the league’ Players’ Orientation Friday at Meralco Theater, PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said his office opened its doors to any player in the league who wants to have an avenue in regards to maintaining his mental health.

Marcial said the league’s motto for the 2019-2020 season of “Laban kung laban” isn’t just about basketball but also about the whole well-being of the players.

“Our theme ‘Laban kung laban’ isn’t just about basketball, this also pertains to your studies, whatever you’re going through your life, even in your love life,” said Marcial in Filipino.

“We will fight with you when you’re depressed so that theme also applies to the players’ mental health.”

Marcial added that the Players’ Orientation wasn’t just for the athletes’ education on handling finances and making sure their future is in good shape, it’s also about presenting themselves to the public especially to the younger generation that look up to them.

“For me it’s a big thing for players to present themselves well in public because they’re essentially role models for the younger generation,” said Marcial.

The Players’ Orientation was technically a crash course for the league’s athletes in how to dress in public and how to handle their finances once their playing days are over.