Part of the health and safety protocols implemented for the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA) 97th season is that players and coaches hold their training sessions in a 'bubble' setup.
Along with the bubble setup are sacrifices that each member of the team needs to make.
"One month and 10 days na kami dito sa Arellano [University]. Napakahirap," Chiefs head coach Cholo Martin said in a press conference on Saturday held in GMA Network Studios.
For Martin, missing family and loved ones, and the short preparation time for the season are just some of the challenges they are facing while inside the bubble, and the other coaches echo his sentiment.
"Very challenging and unique season for NCAA," said Letran Knights coach Bonnie Tan. "We're coming from pandemic [restrictions]. Tayong lahat, affected sa COVID [situation] natin."
"Mahirap 'di lang para sa coaches, [pati] para sa players."
Despite the challenges, other coaches look on the other side of being in a bubble.
"Nag-focus kami sa mga positive. 'Yung treatment namin sa bubble is a long playing camp, mahabang team building," JRU Heavy Bombers coach Louie Gonzales said. "Pagpasok natin sa bubble, lahat ng ginagawa natin, para sa families natin at para sa school natin."
For Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals head coach Oliver Bunyi, the bubble strengthens their relationship as a team which may lead to something good in its end.
"'Yung relationship ng players and coaches, mas napapatibay pa. Sabi namin, the only reward for this sacrifice is the championship," Bunyi said.
"Kumbaga dalawa ang pag-aaralan mo eh, physical and emotional aspects ng players. That's why we're adjusting to this kind of bubble and I hope maganda ang outcome ng ginagawa naming lahat," echoed head coach Gilbert Malabanan of the Lyceum Pirates.
Watch the basketball games of NCAA Season 97 on GMA Network's different platforms. The season will open on March 26.
—JMB, GMA News
