Sports NEWS

Rey Nambatac sustained his fiery scoring as Rain or Shine turned back Blackwater, 71-62, to gain a share of the early lead in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday night, July 18 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Ilocos Norte governor Matthew Manotoc said the offer to host a bubble remains on the table for the PBA if it decides to once again explore the setup.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) assured that strict health protocols will be implemented to ensure the safety of over 600 local and foreign players, coaches, and staff during the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia Cup Qualifiers Bubble in Clark on June 13.

The PBA is now more lukewarm to the idea of holding another bubble, especially after the government allowed the league to hold 5-on-5 scrimmages in areas under General Community Quarantine.

PBA teams could be allowed to hold 5-on-5 scrimmages in areas under General Community Quarantine starting May 18 following the approval of the Inter-Agency Task Force.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial is not ruling out the possibility that Batangas City may end up as a venue for the 46th season.

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel assistant coach Richard del Rosario thinks the waiting game surrounding the start of the PBA season is making it stressful for players and coaches who are raring to get back on the hardcourt.

The PBA will not be able to stage the 46th season under a closed-circuit setup unless there’s a decline in COVID-19 cases.

The PBA will allow teams to hold training bubbles as long as they are held in areas under Modified General Community Quarantine.

The PBA is hoping to get a clearer view as to how it can start the 46th season amid the current COVID-19 situation when it meets top government officials Wednesday, April 28 at the Malacanang Palace.

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.

The PBA received an offer from the provincial government of Ilocos Norte to host a bubble in the event it becomes the league’s last resort to start the 46th season this year.

The PBA believes putting focus on vaccinating its teams and players will create an easier path towards starting the 46th season this year.

The PBA will implement a 20-percent salary cut on teams and employees as part of measures to deal with the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Matthew Wright perhaps echoed the sentiment of every PBA player recently as the waiting game for the 46th season to start lingers on due to the COVID-19 crisis.

At least one PBA player is supportive of the idea of holding another bubble in the light of the return to stricter quarantine regulations in most parts of the country.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said the Executive of the Year award bestowed to him in the virtual Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night is a testament to the efforts of everyone who made last season’s bubble a success.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said the sharp increase of COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila may force the league to reconsider the opening date of the Philippine Cup.