ALL PBA teams should be ready to hit the ground running once the pro league is given the go-signal to start its long-delayed season.
Commissioner Willie Marcial yesterday said there would be no more refamiliarization phase through practices within Metro Manila for the teams once the IATF gives its nod of approval for the season to commence.
“Pagka pinayagan na mag-start na tayo, laro na agad kaya dapat handa sila lahat dahil hindi pa alam kung sino lalaro ng opening day,” said Marcial.
Marcial had earlier said that once the PBA is allowed to start, he would be giving the teams up to two weeks to practice in their usual training hubs within Metro Manila.
“Para makuha ulit nila ang feel dito, ‘yung dati na nilang nakasanayan,” Marcial had explained.
But that plan has now been scrapped since some of the teams have admitted boredom is now creeping in on the players after doing the same routine over and over again since starting their provincial training since mid-May.
This much has been admitted by Alaska coach Jeff Cariaso, who added one of his concerns now is how to mix up their practices to break the monotony.
Meralco coach Norman Black, whose team has set up a training camp bubble in Ilocos Norte, even said in a recent online interview his team is “ready to play today.”
The teams have been forced to conduct their practices in such other provinces as Batangas and Pampanga since the so-called NCR Plus bubble remains under the GCQ with restrictions prohibiting the opening and operation of indoor sports venues like basketball gyms.
The teams have to wait just a little bit longer for the much-awaited go-signal since Marcial’s meeting with the IATF has been re-scheduled to next week.
“Kung hindi Wednesday, Thursday kasi ganu’n mga araw na usually silang nag-mi-meeting,” was the terse explanation given by Marcial.
In the meantime, Marcial said the 12 teams have the options of continuing their provincial practices or making do with the small group workouts allowed in the Big City.
