By Waylon Galvez
San Miguel Beer mentor Leo Austria prefers a longer Philippine Cup if ever the PBA Board decides to resume the season-opening tournament.
“Make it longer,” said Austria as the Board is set to reconvene after President Duterte extended on Friday extended the enhanced community quarantine until May 15.
It was also in response to the opinion of Commissioner’s Willie Marcial who said that it’s “logical” to continue play with the all-Filipino conference.
“Hindi pa natin alam kung kelan ang PBA and kung one or two conferences ba. Sakali namang matuloy, maganda sa tingin ko and mas exciting kung papahabain natin ang Philippine Cup for this season,” said Austria.
“Nakapag-start na tayo actually, pero dahil iba na sitwasyon ngayon, baka pwedeng baguhin ng konti ang format kung sakali, at pahabain ang Philippine Cup, maging double round elimination.”
Austria said that this would all depend on how much time – or months – left in the calendar of the PBA once the league resumes. Also, that decision is all up to the board and the Commissioner’s Office.
“Pero siyempre lahat naman ng ito naka-depende sa sitwasyon sa bansa natin, decision ng PBA Commissioner’s Office and ng board of governors. Sunod lang tayo sa sasabihin nila,” he added.
Marcial said the last time the board convened via virtual meeting several weeks back, the members appeared decided to stage one or two tournaments this season.
The league opened its 45th season on March 8, but Marcial suspended games due to health crisis.
Despite the absence of an injured June Mar Fajardo, SMB defeated the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok 94-78 to start its campaign for a sixth consecutive Philippine Cup title.
Austria said that for now, it’s a wait and see for all the teams.
“Antay na lang tayo kung anong magiging decision ng board and ni PBA commissioner Willie. Mas sila kasi ang nakaka-alam kung ano ang mga dapat na hakbang na gawin,” said Austria.
“Kami naman, bilang coaches,and also sa mga players na din namin, tuloy kami sa training maski na nasa kanya-kanya kaming mga bahay namin para pag dumating na yung time na balik laro na kami, ready ang bawat isa.”
