On March 11, the National Basketball Association correspondent Shams Charania reported Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert had tested positive for the novel Coronavirus. Shortly after, the NBA was suspended with no clear resumption date in sight.  That night may have been the first true wake-up call for many Americans who viewed the virus as a distant issue. However, the league got together to initiate a bold new plan that would either be a great success or be ineffective against the virus’s spread. Fortunately, as professional basketball has been going on for several weeks now, it seems to be working.

The season resumed on July 30 at Disney World in Orlando, Fl. Within the park, the games have been played at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The NBA have implemented strict restrictions not allowing players out of the system except for emergencies. The players arrived within the bubble from July 7-9. During this period, players are tested daily to ensure that the virus does not spread within the facilities.

“I am enjoying the intensity if I am being honest. We have been left without basketball for about five months and now the NBA is as competitive as ever. Many new stars have emerged like Indiana’s TJ Warren while old rivalries have reemerged. I think this is just the beginning though,” sophomore Arcenio Saballos said.

Viewers are able to see the measures that the league has taken to ensure safety. Each player on the bench is separated from one another as to ensure social distancing. The scorers table has a “blast shield” that protects the commentators and correspondents from making any contact with the players on the court. On-court interviews are conducted using extended microphones. Every staff member within the bubble must oblige to the same rules when it comes to remaining in the bubble. This is even shown in the way the pre-game anthem singing is carried out, as it is recorded and displayed on the screens. Also, on the screens are fans who are displayed through a video source as a result of fans being absent in the stadium.

“Some of these policies are also being applied to European soccer. The teams are being tested frequently while playing with empty stadiums. Like the NBA, the rest of the UEFA Champions League will be played in Lisbon Portugal,” sophomore Brian Guillen said.

In comparison to how other sports are being carried out throughout the country, much can be taken from the NBA’s initiative. Our very own Miami Marlins’ second game was postponed because at least 14 players had tested positive. This is the case of many teams in Major League Baseball as they are traveling across the country to play games. If the league implemented similar principles like that of the NBA, it could possibly reduce their cases.

In addition, these principles are not just for sports. They can be applied to civilian life as they are ideas that are not solely based on basketball, such as isolation when possible. If that is not an option, try to at least reduce contact with others. Lastly, if you do not need to be at a public place in time, try not to be there. For the time being, the world is changing at an exponential rate. However, it is good to know that the sports world is trying to set a good example for the rest of the nation.

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