THE Philippine Basketball Association is a few days away from resuming the Governors' Cup play that will still run with Wednesday-to-Sunday double-headers. The Commissioner's Office, however, is still in the process of rescheduling games in the restart that will get underway Feb. 11 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
To combat COVID-19, the league will implement stricter safety measures that will now include antigen tests during practices.
Old policies will still be in place including mandatory RT-PCR testing for everyone concerned every Monday and antigen testing each game day.
"Safety of everyone is primordial, and hindi magbabago yan as we hope makaderecho na tayo ng laro all the way to the end. And that would be a great success for everyone -hopefully with great games that will be our offer and treat to the fans," said PBA commissioner Willie Marcial.
All the teams are excited to get back to the hardcourt and plunge back into action.
"First, we're relieved because there were apprehensions if the tournament will continue or when we are going to come back and play," NLEX coach Yeng Guiao said.
"Second, of course, we're excited to return because we were actually off to a good start," he added.
Guiao and his troops were among the leading performers when play was halted by the latest COVID-19 surge.
The Road Warriors are at 4-1, right behind the Magnolia Hotshots (3-0) and the Meralco Bolts (2-0), and ahead of the Barangay Ginebra Kings (3-1).
At joint fifth are the Alaska Milk Aces, the Phoenix Fuel Masters and the San Miguel Beermen at 3-2. (SB)(PBA)