MANILA – The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is willing to accept the invitation by the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) for the Gilas Pilipinas to compete in the upcoming Philippine Cup this April.
SBP president Al Panlilio said they are thankful to PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial’s invitation because the PBA competition is a great help to the development of the team.
“We’re definitely open to the idea of playing in the PBA,” Panlilio said. “We know the value of being able to play games against PBA teams on a regular basis as evidenced by the exploits of Smart-Gilas 1 back in 2011.”
“Training is important for any team but you learn a lot about your teammates when you go up against strong opposition. PBA has been a valuable partner to the SBP and this invitation only reasserts the league’s commitment to helping our Gilas Pilipinas program in whatever way they can,” he added.
Marcial said on Monday that PBA board has agreed to have Gilas Pilipinas as guest team in the season opening conference.
“There’s no commitment yet. Gilas has no plans yet. But at least we extended an invite,” Marcial said. “There’s no deadline, but they’ll probably have to give us an answer before April so we can sort out the schedule.”
Once Gilas Pilipinas stint in the PBA pushes through, the team will be bannered by five players selected during the 2019 Gilas special draft like George Isaac Go, Nieto twins Matt and Mike, Allyn Bulanadi, and Rey Suerte.
Also joining the team are the rookies that will be taken in another special round in this year’s draft proceedings to be held in a virtual setting on March 14. Among those being eyed by SBP are Calvin Oftana, William Navarro, and Jaydee Tungcab.
Panlilio, however, said the national men’s basketball team will first focus on their 2021 International Basketball Federation Asia Cup qualifier match in Doha, Qatar later this month before deciding on PBA’s invitation.
“Right now, the focus of Gilas Pilipinas program director Tab Baldwin, is preparing our team for the upcoming games against South Korea and Indonesia,” Panlilio said. “Once the team arrives from Doha, we will sit down with the PBA to discuss this matter further.”/PN
