PBA chairman Ricky Vargas floated the idea of staging a series of exhibition games that will pit a team of PBA players against China to usher in the opening of the 46th season.

Vargas said he wants a best-of-seven duel between China and a “PBA Warriors” selection to be coached by Yeng Guiao.

“I would like to see Season 46 jumpstarted with this exhibition match, the technical aspects of which could be crafted by our tournament officials,” said Vargas in a statement.

“We need to give our people inspiration and hope.”

Due to the surge of coronavirus cases and strict quarantine measures, it is still unknown when the PBA will kick off the upcoming season.

The 46th season had an initial launch date of April 9 before it got pushed back to April 11 and then April 18.

As Greater Manila shifted to enhanced community quarantine, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial previously said the league is hoping to open the season the earliest in the last week of April or first week of May.

Vargas also pushed for the vaccination of all PBA players.

“Let us all sacrifice for the greater good and for a stronger PBA. We will pivot, deliver, transform, and perform,” Vargas said. – Rappler.com