FIVE months after, PBA teams are finally going back to the court.
Although movements are generally limited to individual workouts, for all the players and coaches it’s better than just being idle the way they have been for the past 164 days, following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“They are not team workouts yet, they are just individual workouts,” stressed Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone. “But it’s a great step in the right direction for the league. We’re all back to work, we’re excited.”
The Kings will have their workouts at their regular abode, Upper Deck in Ortigas, sharing the same training facility with Phoenix, but on different courts.
“Sobrang excited na lahat mag-small group workout,” said Fuel Masters mentor Louie Alas.
“But there are things beyond our control, consistent kasi na tumataas ang (COVID) cases. So everyone’s safety ang kailangan.”
Alaska coach Jeff Cariaso shares the same enthusiasm for going back to court.
“Finally, were going to get back on the court. Kahit papapano, even if it’s just a small group workout,” he said. “At this point, every team will take this just to be able to be present on the court.”
The Aces will have the Gatorade Hoops for their exclusive use.
“This process of returning has been closer and closer the past months, and we're hoping this week, matutuloy na talaga siya,” Cariaso added.
All players, of course, have to follow the strict health protocols crafted by the league. Only those who undergo swab testing and whose results are negative will be allowed to enter their respective training facilities.
Below are the rest of the training facilities where the rest of the teams will have their workouts:
NLEX – FCL Building in Xavierville
Meralco – Meralco gym in Ortigas
Blackwater – Aero gym in Quezon Ave.
Magnolia – Ronac gym in San Juan
Terra Firma – The Hardcourt inside Azure Urban Resort and Residences in Taguig
San Miguel – Acropolis gym in Mandaluyong
NorthPort – Green Meadows covered court in Pasig
Rain or Shine – Reyes gym in Mandaluyong
TnT Katropa – Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna
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