The expected delay in the opener of the PBA 46th season also meant extending the recovery period of San Miguel Beer main man June Mar Fajardo.
Although the Beermen are just as eager to start the Philippine Cup just like the rest of the field, the continued spike in COVID-19 cases has forced the league to abort the planned April 18 season opener and instead, re-evaluate the entire calendar for the year.
As PBA officials assess their next course of action, the recuperation of the 6-foot-10 Fajardo from an off-season surgery also remains.
"With the current situation, siguradong mamo-move ang season," said team manager Gee Abanilla. "That would be good for June Mar's recovery."
Fajardo went under the knife last year when he suffered a fractured right tibia (shinbone) while in practice. The injury made him miss the Philippine Cup bubble in Clark, Pampanga that saw San Miguel fail to defend the same title it won the last five seasons.
The six-time MVP could have missed the opener of the season had the league kicked off as planned middle of April, but nonetheless, is expected to be back in a San Miguel uniform for the rest of the team's campaign.
The 31-year-old Cebuano big man is still undergoing rehab to strengthen his leg but is also joining the team in its regular zoom meetings.
"Maganda naman yung kanyang recovery. Slightly on schedule," said Abanilla.
But the San Miguel official was quick to clear he's all for the welfare not only of Fajardo and the rest of the Beermen, but of the entire PBA family and the country as well.
"Sana maging OK na lahat," was his fervent wish on the current pandemic situation.