PBA making strides in preparations for Season 46

MANILA, Philippines — As the PBA prepares to pitch for its July kickoff, teams are also looking for ways to gear up for Season 46 amid the Taal Volcano situation in Batangas.

Marcial, who expects to present the pro league’s start plans and protocols to the IATF this week, said with Taal under Alert Level 3, some of the ballclubs are exploring the possibility of moving to Pampanga.

“There are teams that are looking at the AUF Gym and other schools in Pampanga (as possible sites if the situation in Batangas worsens),” said Marcial.

Majority of the squads have been conducting their closed-circuit scrimmages in facilities in Batangas City, Lipa City, and San Jose since May.

NLEX has gone to Pampanga, alternating between back-and-forth and bubble setups while TNT and Meralco have opted for bubbles in Ilocos Norte.

Marcial said the PBA has been making strides in its preparations for the season opening.

He reported that the PBA family is close to hitting 95 percent in terms of vaccination and that the teams’ training has yielded low COVID positive cases.

“We’ll report all these when we make a presentation with the IATF on Wednesday or Thursday for the start of the season,” said Marcial.

The PBA has sought guidance from government entities such as the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). Marcial thanked MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos and testing czar Vince Dizon for helping arrange the inoculation of most of the league members.

Abalos vowed to help the PBA in its bid to begin the games in the capital.

“Basketball is the Filipinos’ national pastime.  But there’s no denying that the PBA is struggling now because of the pandemic,” he said as he received Marcial in a courtesy call.

“We have to ensure the safety of everyone, not only the players but the general viewing public. We cannot compromise the health and well-being of all,” he added.