COVID-19 Vaccine Critical to PBA's Plans

Everyone is waiting on the vaccine against the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and among the people that are patiently waiting is the top brass of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).  

Like everyone else, the PBA is playing the waiting game for the vaccine in hopes of getting more clarity as to how they will proceed with their plans for the league's 46th season. While the PBA is coming off a successful all-Filipino conference inside the Clark bubble that lasted for two and a half months, a bubble set-up for next season is unlikely as the league prefers to hold a closed-circuit format. Even with that, uncertainties are still clouding the future for the PBA.

On Tuesday's Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) online forum, PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said, "The plans have already been laid but it all depends on the situation and what the government will allow. If there's a vaccine already, that will be big for us. If none, let's see," Marcial also revealed the league's plans to launch the 3x3 tournament ahead of the 5x5 tournament. "There are two to three more teams wanting to join the 3x3. We will strive that we start (the 3x3) by February or March ahead of the 5x5 if doable," 

On the choice of set-up preferred by players on how the 46th season can be played, Marcial revealed that players' choices differ. "The others that I asked are okay with the closed-circuit format while the others are with the bubble. At first, everyone was struggling in the bubble but in the end, there were some who said the bubble is okay. I will ask their opinions again,"

If the vaccine against COVID-19 is out and is proven to be working before the PBA gets into the thick of the preparations for the next season, not only will it provide more clarity, it will kickstart PBA's return to normal ways. 

Photo is from AdvocatesOMI