All systems go for the PBA as season finally resumes

Finally, basketball is back.

Seven months after the country was locked down and locked out following the coronavirus pandemic, the Philippine Basketball Association said it was all systems go in their restart that is set to tip off on October 11.

This was proudly said by deputy commissioner Eric Castro in Tuesday's online forum of the Philippine Sportswriters' Association, as they are expected the arrival of the delegation from the league today apart from the teams who are already in the bubble in Pampanga.

"Almost all of the players are in already," he said.

With the league held its season opener with a lone game last March, the rest of the 66-game schedule in the Philippine Cup eliminations is now set in stone with games played daily in a space of two months.

In other words, teams has to be sharper than ever as they have little respite in between games.

“Araw-araw ang games natin,” he added as they released their schedule right after the forum. “We’re looking at around two to three games per week, and then max na siguro yung four times a week.”

Despite the compact playdates, Castro assured that there are no instances that the team will play on consecutive days.
“That’s what we’re trying to avoid. May laro ka ng Monday, so probably you’re next game will be either Wednesday or Thursday.”

With the resumption looming, the PBA hopes that their restart will serve as an inspiration for the other professional leagues that are aching to play.

"Hopefully, we can lead the way and we're very open whatever protocols or things na kakailanganin ng ibang sports that get back."
FILE PHOTO: PBA