PBA: NLEX coach Guiao hopes his wards will observe 'dual bubble'


Household and team bubbles close to proposed 'closed-circuit' concept
yeng guiao
NLEX coach Yeng Guiao (PBA Images)

NLEX coach Yeng Guiao said the team will try to observe the concept of having a household bubble and a team bubble once practice resumes.

Guiao is hoping that his players are disciplined enough to ensure that both bubbles are preserved in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

“Pag na-preserve mo yung sa bahay mo at na-preserve mo yung team bubble mo, there’s a good chance you can sustain that,” Guiao told former PBA commissioner Noli Eala during the latter’s radio program Power and Play on 92.3 News FM.

The dual bubble is somewhat similar to the closed-circuit concept the PBA will implement once the pro league allows teams to train in their respective facilities.

But Dr. Tony Leachon, a public health expert who once served as a special adviser to the National Task Force against COVID-19, believes that having a bubble concept similar to what the NBA’s been doing in Orlando is the best way to avoid the infectious disease.

While the NBA bubble has become the perfect model with no positive cases going into the Playoffs, Guiao is opting for a more-realistic approach.

“Nakikita naman natin na the NBA is doing it right, so as much as possible maidikit dun sa ginagawa nilang sistema. I think that’s our best chance,” said Guiao.

“And considering our resources, considering our limitations, yung ginagawa natin ngayon, I think, that’s the best way we can do. Not unless sabihin na ng Board of Governors natin na ‘Let’s do what the NBA’s doing, lets go to one place tapos i-isolate natin sarili natin. Let’s have the same exact bubble as the NBA’s having.’

“Pero tama din si Doc Leachon, there are weaknesses dun sa sinasabi na sistema ngayon. But you know, hindi pwede talaga 100-percent risk free, meron talagang certain percentage na may risk. Ang kailangan talaga natin is to practice self-discipline, follow the protocols strictly and we have to change our behavior.

“I think that’s the best way to combat the virus, habang wala pa yung vaccine."