THE Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is grateful for the PBA's offer allowing Gilas Pilipinas to play in the coming Philippine Cup, emphasizing a decision will be made shortly after its campaign in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.
SBP President Al S. Panlilio was ecstatic about the idea of the national team competing in the pro league especially with Gilas now in the homestretch of its preparations for the final window of the qualifiers set Feb. 18-22 in Qatar.
The national squad leaves for Doha on Saturday.
"We're definitely open to the idea of playing in the PBA, and once the team arrives from Doha, we will sit down with the PBA to discuss the matter further," said Panlilio, also Meralco board of governor, who was present when the league board made the offer during a special meeting last Monday.
"Right now the focus of Gilas Pilipinas program director Tab Baldwin, together with his coaching staff, is preparing our team for the upcoming games against South Korea and Indonesia."
Sponsored content:
Although playing as guest team, Gilas can compete for the Philippine Cup championship like the rest of the 12-member ballclubs.
The arrangement can be made if the national team's calendar isn't full for the duration of the the all-Filipino conference.
The Gilas team will be composed of the five special draftees of 2019 namely Isaac Go, Mike and Matt Nieto, Allyn Bulanadi, and Rey Suerte, along with the three to five players the SBP will be selecting in the special draft on March 14.
The rest of the lineup could be filled in by Gilas cadet players.
Provided the national team declines the invitation, the board asked the SBP to allow all special draftees to play for their respective mother ballclubs in the PBA if Gilas Pilipinas won't be having any scheduled training camps or competitions.
Sponsored content:
Inviting the men's national team to compete in the pro league is nothing new.
The last time a Philippine squad joined the PBA came in 2011 when Smart Gilas Pilipinas saw action in the Commissioner's Cup.
Bannered by naturalized player Marcus Douthit and regular stalwarts such as Japeth Aguilar, Marcio Lassiter, Mark Barroca, Chris Tiu, JVee Casio, Aldrech Ramos, and Mac Baracael, the nationals reached as far as the semifinals before losing to Barangay Ginebra in their semifinals series.
Back in 1985, the Northern Consolidated Cement (NCC) national squad of the late legendary coach Ron Jacobs won the Reinforced Conference as guest team, completing a four-game sweep of Manila Beer in the finals. (RG)
