Beau Belga anticipates post-game recovery becoming a challenge, given the grueling schedule that lies ahead in the PBA’s season resumption in Clark.
The 2020 Philippine Cup calendar has yet to be released, but players could possibly play every other day — or worse, in back-to-back games.
The league has announced will hold double-headers every day during the eliminations — compressing its schedule, with the tilt set to finish in two months’ time.
“Hindi naman namin ikakaila eh, na ‘yung recovery ng katawan, hindi na ganun kabilis. Hindi na katulad nung bata-bata ka pa,” Belga told 2OT.
“Sabi ko nga, ‘pag umabot ka ng trenta, medyo matagal na ‘yung recovery,” added the 12-year pro, who will turn 34 on November 30.
For Belga, what will spell the difference for teams in this kind of set-up is a deep rotation. Fortunately, his Elasto Painters have a deep and reliable bench.
“Malaking bagay ‘yung mahaba rotation mo sa ganitong format natin na araw-araw laro, halos every other day kayo,” he said.
Rain or Shine have plenty of veterans, but also plenty of firepower supplied by the young guns raring to show their wares in the bubble.
Leading its youth brigade is the exciting 1-2 punch of Rey Nambatac and Javee Mocon — both of whom are, without a doubt, the future of the franchise.
Then there are also four rookies in the mix — first-round picks Adrian Wong, Clint Doliguez, and Prince Rivero, and second-rounder Vince Tolentino.
The good thing about these young guns, according to Belga, is that Coach Caloy Garcia has been able to instill confidence in them.
“Advantage siguro sa amin na na-ano ni Coach Caloy, nung nagpa-practice pa kami bago mag-pandemic, na talagang lahat ginagamit niya,” the two-time PBA champion said, referring to the tune-ups they played prior to the season opener last March.
“So, ‘yung kumpiyansa nung mga bata eh nandiyan, hindi nawawala.”
