WITH Gilas Pilipinas' coming campaign in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) among its priority, the PBA decided to adjust its schedule midway in the 48th season.
The Philippine Cup is now set to open on Feb. 28 from its original kick off schedule of March 3.
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said the move was made to give the national team under head coach Tim Cone more time to prepare for its bid in the FIBA qualifier to the Paris Olympics to be held in Riga, Latvia from July 2-7.
"Nag-adjust kami para sa Gilas. Dapat sa March 3 ang opening (Philippine Cup), pero tatamaan kasi yun (OQT), kaya (Feb 28) na ang opening," said Marcial.
"Kaya tinatanong na namin kung ano yung mga windows, para ia-adjust na namin yung schedule," the commissioner said, adding the PBA is in constant communication with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) regarding the schedule of international tournaments where Gilas is set to compete this year.
Sponsored content:
The Commissioner's Cup finals alone between Magnolia and San Miguel also had to be played right away as Gilas is set to see action in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers on Feb 22 in Hong Kong and Feb. 25 against Chinese Taipei in Manila.
The semifinals between the Hotshots and Phoenix Fuel Masters just concluded last Wednesday, but Game 1 of the title series is to be played on Friday right away.
"Etong finals nga dapat may gap ito ng isang araw. Dapat Linggo pa," said Marcial. "Pero ito ay dahil sa Gilas, para mapakawalan na natin sa national team yung mga players na kailangan."
San Miguel's June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez are the two players included by Cone as part of his Gilas 12 suiting up for the Asia Cup qualifiers. (RG)
