MANILA, Philippines — The PBA bubble is off to a smooth start as all 12 teams safely arrived in Clark their home for the next three months and are looking forward to holding scrimmages preparatory to the Oct. 11 resumption of play.
“I’ve been getting updates from team managers and team owners and they’re saying everything’s good for those who are already inside the bubble,” commissioner Willie Marcial said in yesterday’s online presscon with Bases Conversion and Development Corp. president and CEO Vince Dizon and Clark Development Corp. chief Noel Manankil.
“Safety protocols set upon arrival at Quest Hotel were very organized and efficient,” Alaska coach Jeff Cariaso posted on Twitter after settling in his room yesterday.
The PBA delegation will be safe inside the bubble, assured Dizon and Manankil.
“We will ensure the integrity of the bubble not only as the players enter but throughout the next three months the PBA will be playing here,” said Dizon.
He said every person inside the bubble, including hotel staff and drivers, will be subjected to the same strict protocols as the PBA contingent, including regular testing.
Dizon, meanwhile, stressed the importance of the PBA resumption to the country’s overall psyche.
“It’s important that we’re able to give people hope that this pandemic, while very, very difficult and challenging, will end.
“And hopefully, we can show the people that we can hold sporting events as long as it’s safe and secure and healthy for the participants. It gives a symbol of better days ahead,” said Dizon.
Five teams entered the bubble last Monday, and the remaining seven yesterday. They underwent swab testing and, while in isolation, are hoping for negative results. Once cleared, 5-on-5 scrimmages will begin.
Then the PBA can let the games begin..