NO season? No problem.
La Salle coach Derrick Pumaren said the Green Archers won’t take it easy and will still prepare if and when the return to training and play gets the green light from the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.
“I understand the decision of the UAAP. They are just after the safety of the student athletes. But me and my coaching staff will still prepare the team and get them ready in the event UAAP decides we can start training and play,” Pumaren told Malaya-Business Insight.
“Of course, this is with the approval of IATF,” he added.
With an end to the country’ deadly COVID-19 pandemic woes nowhere in sight, the UAAP scrapped its 83rd season recently. It was the first time the UAAP called off a season since World War II from 1941 to 1946.
Meanwhile, with the UAAP 83rd season having been scrapped, the eligibility status of graduating players and transferees will remain hanging in the air, for now.
“We’ll take it one step at a time. As I speak, all eligibility matters will be tackled at a proper time,” UAAP executive director Atty. Rebo Saguisag said yesterday in a virtual press conference during the league and Cignal TV’s official contract signing.
“The BMD (Board of Managing Directors) has this history of being responsive and dynamic,” he added.
Saguisag admitted there is a lot of work to be done to kick off the 84th season and if and when it happens, the league intends to do it in September 2021.
“It will bring a lot more preparations and risks,” Saguisag said. “Kung walang discussion, default. If all goes well, September 2021.”
