FOR obvious reasons, Rain or Shine is eager to get back on the practice court.
The question of “where” is something that nags at the Elasto Painters, however.
According to Rain or Shine coach Chris Gavina, the team is ready to go to wherever is “feasible” if it, like the other teams, is not allowed to conduct full-contact practices within Metro Manila.
“We’re looking at our options,” Gavina told Malaya-Business Insight. “I think we’re not the only team waiting with bated breath kung ano ba ang magiging decision sa amin. One minute they’re saying we’re okay (to hold practices in the Metro) and then the next day we’re not.”
The youthful tactician was referring to the IATF announcement that pro teams could practice in areas under GCQ or MGCQ quarantine levels. Hopes were further fanned when the Big City, along with neighbors Laguna, Cavite, Rizal and Bulacan, were placed under GCQ starting last Saturday.
But this quarantine level carries with it the accompanying tag, “with heightened restrictions,” meaning all indoor sports venues, like basketball gyms, still cannot open.
That didn’t stop most of the PBA teams, like Magnolia, San Miguel Beer and Rain or Shine, from trying to gain permission from the concerned LGU within the Metro. The Hotshots sought a permit from San Juan, the Beermen from Quezon City and the E-Painters from Mandaluyong.
That move, however, proved insufficient as Commissioner Willie Marcial clarified that they need approval not only from the LGU but also the IATF.
That left teams looking for practice venues elsewhere, with no restrictions. Meralco and TNT have already gone to Laoag City while NLEX is headed for Subic.
Gavina admitted putting up a training camp in either Pampanga or Zambales have crossed the team officials’ minds. “I actually brought that up, that Subic might be an option if it’s within our means. Clark ganoon din,” he said.
“Right now, we’re re-thinking our options,” added Gavina. “So we’ll look at the next closest LGU, Clark, Subic, see what options are there.”
If nothing else pans out, there is always Batangas City, like the Ilocos Norte capital under GCQ. But the earliest the E-Painters could start there is Friday.
“We don’t want to fall behind when everyone else is starting early,” said Gavina, the urgency in him fueled by the fact he still has more work to do since being named the team’s new coach only last March. Throw in the fact he has five newcomers who have yet to fully play with the team’s holdovers.
“Honestly, we just want to get back on the court. Dami pa naming bago, ang dami mo pang kailangang ituro,” said Gavina.
“I’m really anxious to get on the court and right now it’s really frustrating,” added Gavina.
“I mean, we’re looking at our options other than going to possibly Batangas. But I think it’s gonna come down to what’s gonna be the most feasible for us, that we can do as a team.”
