Two conferences for PBA Season 46 still possible, says Willie Marcial

The PBA remains optimistic that it can stage two conferences for Season 46 despite delays brought about by the recent surge of COVID-19 cases in the country.

Commissioner Willie Marcial, who along with SMC sports director and Brgy. Ginebra governor Alfrancis Chua met with Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Senator Bong Go in Malacanang last Wednesday, bared that the national government will only give the league the go-signal once cases go on a decline.

“Kung magsisimula tayo by June – second or third week – kaya natin two conferences, matatapos tayo by December. Or baka lumaktaw tayo January. Pero, baka matapos natin by December,” explained Marcial.

The original plan of a 10-month calendar, however, is already out of the question.

“Magiging single round elimination lang siguro yung second conference. Kasi nung una, double round yung second conference natin eh,” added the 4th-year commissioner.

With the compressed schedule, the break in between the two conferences will incredibly be short – only around five to seven days.

“What’s gonna happen there, kapag natapos yung unang conference, magsa-sacrifice lang talaga. Ilang araw lang, mga pitong araw o limang araw, umpisa na ulit. Start na ng second conference,” said Chua.

“Now yung mga na-out, yun ang una munang maglalaro para makapag-pahinga yung mga nakapasok ng Finals o semis. We’re hitting really two conferences this year.”