MAGNOLIA coach Chito Victolero is offering another alternative site for the PBA if and when the pro league is given the go-signal to play.
“Sa San Juan okay din doon, may San Juan gym, may Filoil Flying V,” said Victolero.
“Actually, kahit ano sa mga iyon parang the best, kasi parehong maayos ‘yung court, maayos mga dugouts, and may parking.”
Victolero spoke after it was announced that Commissioner Willie Marcial is looking to stage at least the season-opening Philippine Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
At the moment, Marcial is more concerned with what the IATF’s response would be on his request to have the season being allowed to open this month.
Marcial made his presentation to the IATF last Wednesday afternoon, with the government agency’s response expected either today or Monday.
Previously considered as initial site is the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo, but the chances of playing in that venue remains dim due to the rate of COVID cases not only in Rizal Province but the entire CALABARZON region.
Both venues remain open for the PBA, as agreed on following talks between Marcial and Antipolo Mayor Junjun Ynares.
Victolero still can’t help suggesting either of the San Juan gyms, having played in both during his days with the San Juan Knights.
“Parang homecourt,” quipped Victolero with a chuckle.
“Sana naman mag-start na tayo o kahit makapag-practice lang muna sa Metro Manila,” said the former Coach of the Year. “Mahirap kasi ‘yung practices mo sa probinsiya, na araw-araw back-and-forth ka mula Metro.”
Magnolia is among the teams forced to conduct their 5-on-5 practices outside NCR following the restrictions enforced in the Big City since mid-May.
The Hotshots are also among the teams forced to shift their practice venues in Batangas following the recent Taal volcano activity.
From the STI-Lipa gym, Magnolia has transferred to the Batangas State U court, alternating with Terrafirma and TNT and Meralco, which initially opted for bubble training in Laoag, Ilocos Norte recently. Phoenix has gone to Malarayat Golf and Country Club.
