Barangay Ginebra San Miguel assistant coach Richard del Rosario said it is essential that those who will take part in the planned PBA bubble will have things to do other than basketball.
Del Rosario said in a recent episode of Sports Page that having non-basketball activities will not only help everyone’s well-being but also the quality of games once the league can resume its season under a bubble-style concept.
“Hindi pwedeng lakad lang sa gym at babalik sa hotel tapos wala nang gagawin, nakatunganga ka na. Mapapa-isip ka ng husto, masisiraan ka talaga ng bait and it will affect the games, I’m telling you,” Del Rosario said.
Tim Cone’s chief lieutenant also referred to the current situation in the ongoing NBA bubble in Orlando, with Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George admitting his mental health struggles.
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“We heard issues of mental health dun sa NBA bubble already — anxiety, depression — mahirap talaga yan. That’s why it is important dun sa mga proposal na binibigay na you have to prepare not only indoor activities but also outdoor activities,” said Del Rosario.
“Pag titignan mo, sasabihin nila nasa hotel ang swerte naman ng mga nito, nasa hotel. But if you’re already there at pader lang nakikita mo, mahirap yun. Even if you’re in an island, after a while you’ll get tired and siyempre mentally mahirap yan, being away from your families.”
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PBA teams are being limited to individual workouts under strict health guidelines, though commissioner Willie Marcial has requested the Inter-Agency Task Force to allow 5-on-5 scrimmages.
Del Rosario several months ago had proposed a bubble concept in case the season can be held.
While initially lukewarm to the idea, the PBA has since entertained offers from hotels, provinces and even abroad with Dubai expressing interest to host the bubble.