PHILIPPINE Basketball Association (PBA) chairman Ricky Vargas is urging all of the league’s stakeholders to take the lead in helping the country get some “semblance of normalcy.”

With the country still being ravaged by Covid-19, which has forced the league to postpone its opening this month, Vargas said the first order of the league is to make sure to get all of the players vaccinated.

“We need to get all the players vaccinated as part of the country’s healing process,” said Vargas, who is serving his fourth term as the head of Asia’s first pay-for-play league. “We need to rally our people toward a common goal. Let us all sacrifice for the greater good and for a stronger PBA. We will pivot, deliver, transform and perform.”

The telecommunications executive also said that one of the best ways to kick off the 46th PBA season is with a best-of-seven series between Asian powerhouse China and a “PBA Warriors selection possibly coached by Yeng Guiao.”

“I think he would be perfect to lead a courageous charge for national pride and honor,” shared Vargas. “I would like to see Season 46 jumpstarted with this exhibition match, the technical aspects of which could be crafted by our tournament officials. We need to give our people inspiration and hope.

He encouraged his fellow PBA governors, who he said are all aching to give PBA fans something to cheer about in this time of great challenge.

“Thank you, Governors, for your unrelenting support and concern for the league and its fans. Let’s get the ball rolling as soon as possible!” (JNP)