PBA hopes to restart season by September as gov't allows practices

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial is hopeful that the season can restart this year now that the government has allowed basketball practices.

The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF) approved the guidelines on the conduct of health-enhancing physical activities and sports during the COVID-19 pandemic, opening the door for the league to resume.

In a phone interview with GMA News Online, Marcial said that having the players back in the gym is an important step for the PBA.

"Kailangan natin mag-ensayo muna 'yung mga players kasi magkaka-injury yan pag binigla natin," he said.

Marcial said the PBA is on track with its schedule and sees team practices by the latter part of July, following meetings with team officials and the Board of Governors.

"Sana nga by September or October makabalik na tayo, pero depende 'yun sa Task Force," he said when asked about the league's potential return.

The PBA earlier submitted a safety protocol to the IATF for conducting practices, which includes limiting the number of persons in the gym to six people: four players, a trainer, and a health officer.

Scrimmages are also not allowed and coaches likely won't be present, as the practices will mostly be for conditioning.

Depending on the timeline, the season may be shortened to one or two conferences instead of the usual three. —MGP, GMA News