EXPECT some tinkering in the PBA schedule once it gets the nod to go ahead with its 46th season.
Commissioner Willie Marcial yesterday said some cramming may have to be done for the league to realize its planned two conferences for the year.
“Pumayag na ang (PBA) Board na lumagpas tayo ng December so may konti tayong leeway,” related Marcial.
“Dati kasi kinakailangan nating magsiksik para matapos ng December,” added Marcial.
“Pero ngayon puwede nating luwagan ng konti para late January o early February ang tapos natin.”
The PBA had initially targeted an April start to the season-opening Philippine Cup, expected to run for four months, to be followed by the two-month, import-laced Governors Cup.
With the two conferences, the league hopes to recuperate at least some of the losses it took last year when it was limited to just the Philippine Cup in a nearly P70 million bubble at Clark.
Successive government restrictions due to the pandemic, however, forced the PBA to defer the opening, which is now pegged at either late this month or early July when the PBA family is expected to have received at least the first dose of anti-COVID vaccines.
Marcial had earlier announced the Governors Cup eliminations would be a single-round instead of a double-round affair.
Some other adjustments still need to be done, however, primarily in the schedules.
Games would still be played every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, but some Saturday matches could be inserted.
“Puwede rin tayong mag-triple bill on certain days,” noted Marcial. “Lahat naman iyan depende sa sitwasyon natin ‘pag naglalaro na tayo, pero ngayon pa lang naka-bangko na iyan kasama ng ibang options.”
Even the venue could be changed.
The league is supposed to play at least the Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, but Marcial is now looking at other alternate venues since it is highly doubtful fans would be allowed in during games.
“Tutal walang fans, sa mas maliit na (venue) lang tayo,” explained Marcial. “Kapag pinayagan na tayo dito sa Metro Manila, puwedeng sa Ynares Sports Arena sa Pasig na lang tayo maglaro.”
