As the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) continues to receive signs to push through with its own “bubble” to continue the season, or at least the Philippine Cup, several coaches voiced out their opinions on the idea along with suggestions to the league.

Earlier this morning, reports came out that the top basketball league in the country has received multiple offers from different hotels to provide service for them as per PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial.

The PBA also received an offer from an organizer in Dubai. Which means the PBA season could resume in a foreign country.

Marcial has said in the past that playing outside Metro Manila is a possible option for the league.

However, for Alaska Aces’ head coach Jeff Cariaso, he prefers the idea of having the bubble within Metro Manila.

“I’m leaning towards the idea of a bubble in Manila. I think we can be responsible for our own teams to follow the safety protocols and still be able to go home,” he said in a text message to Ballers PH.

“Each team will hold each member accountable to strictly follow and remain discipline to make the All Filipino conference possible. Although, I would suggest to be swab tested more frequently. If possible, every week and/or before every play date,” he added

Despite his suggestion, Cariaso stated as well that he’s willing to make the sacrifice of being away from his family if the league does decide to do the bubble outside of Mentro Manila, or have the whole league stay in one place to ensure everyone’s safety.

“If a bubble in a hotel is what’s decided on, then we will make the best of it. This will be the sacrifice all teams will make, away from our families, to be able to play a conference,” he said.

“But if we set up a strict protocol of only going to practice or game venues, and home right after. And we support that with more constant testing, I think that will be enough to limit exposure and keep everyone safe. And more importantly, happy that we all get to go home to our families,” he added.

San Miguel Beermen’s head coach Leo Austria is on the same page as Cariaso. In an exclusive interview with Ballers PH, he stated that he and the team will be on board on whatever decision the league decides on.

“Whatever decision they’ll have, as long as the management ay payag sa mga mangyayari, wala kaming reklamo dun. Pero there are so many suggestions and I was able to come up with mine,” he stated.

“We have to do it. Kailangan may ma-umpisahan na din kami kasi livelihood naming ito e. And it’s one-way para mapakita sa mga tao na nag-mo-move on tayong lahat, kami kung ano man sabihin samin ng management, ano man gusto gawin ng PBA, lahat kami gagawin naming,” he added.

The eight-time PBA coach suggested that instead of having everyone in one place, he suggested that each team should have their own bubble with a closed-circuit strategy instead, where the team will only go in three-places. From house to car to the gym and vice versa.

“Naiintindihan ko na kailangan talaga naka-bubble ang mga players (teams). My suggestion is to have a bubble dito sa Manila, which is ideal. Halimbawa, may malapit na gym dito, then isang team dito, dito mag bubble ang isang team,” he stated.

“Kahapon nagkaron kami ng rapid test and we’re so happy na wala samin nag positive. So, that means effective yung closed circuit. From house to car to the gym,” he added.

Austria stated that having a team together instead of the whole delegation in one place would be better. He also threw the idea of staying in a resort instead of a hotel to give the players some room to move and avoid some psychological problems that could happen.

“I think it would still be better if we’ll be together as a team. Kasi mahirap pag buong delegation e, mahirap i-accommodate. Kung bawa’t team e may resort na magagamit, dapat dun naka-bubble para di naman mainip o ma-bore yung mga players at may magalawan kasi may psychological effect din yan e, kapag two months kang nakakulong sa hotel at ang pupuntahan nyo ay venue at hotel lang,” he shared.

Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone has stated in the past as well that he’s excited to finally get back to work, whatever area the league will be held in.

“Whether it be in Laguna, El Nido, Clark, Subic, or here in Manila, I hope it happens and I hope we get back to work,” he said in an article.

The winningest coach in PBA history added that his wife was against the idea of him being in a bubble, but he said that he’d like to finally get back to work.

“I told my wife that we might be in a bubble for two or three months and she says absolutely no way. You can imagine some of the wife of the players and family members, they do not want the players being away for a long time either,” he said.

“But there is no doubt, we all want to go back to work. Despite what my wife says, I hope this bubble thing comes to fruition.”