PBA optimistic on two-conference format despite delays

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said the league remains on track to stage a two-conference format for the 46th season despite delays to its start due to the COVID-19 situation in the country.

Marcial said he is not losing hope that the season can begin late next month or in early June even if Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal and Bulacan are currently under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine.

“As of now, ganun pa rin ang format (As of now, we’ll stick with the same format),” said Marcial.

The PBA was supposed to start last April 18 with a 10-month season beginning with the centerpiece Philippine Cup and the Governors’ Cup which could see the return of imports.

Plans are also for the PBA to have a closed-circuit arrangement with the possibility that games are going to be held at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City which was previously under Modified General Community Quarantine.

MGCQ areas allow sporting events to be held based on the guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force and the Joint Administrative Order of the Games and Amusements Board, Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of Health.

But the government placed Metro Manila, Rizal and surrounding provinces, first under Enhanced Community Quarantine for two weeks before it was downgraded to the current MECQ guidelines, resulting in the stoppage of practices and delays to the start of the season.

Marcial said another bubble will be the league’s last option, though they had received offers from the provincial government of Ilocos Norte.

Should the start pushed back anew, Marcial said deputy commissioner Eric Castro already had scenarios on hand.

“Lagi kaming naka-standby ni Deputy Commissioner Eric kaya nag-aadjust kami kung papaano (Me and Deputy Commissioner Eric are always on standby and we always make adjustments to our schedule.)