The PBA Board of Governors has drawn practically a new calendar, opening windows in its season schedule to provide training periods for the national team that will compete in the FIBA World Cup then in the Southeast Asian Games.
Doubtful, however, is the Jones Cup stint for Gilas Pilipinas in July.
In its regular meeting at the PBA office yesterday, the league board has also practically shot down participation of Andray Blatche as import in the coming PBA Commissioner's Cup.
But board chair Ricky Vargas assured "supreme sacrifice" by the league to enable Gilas to prepare for its journey to the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China in August.
"As we had to align so many things, the current calendar has been stretched all the way to next year," said Vargas. "But that's a happy problem for the PBA to show how committed the PBA is to our national team program."
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Meanwhile, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio, who also sits on the PBA board as representative of the Meralco Bolts team, said it's quite challenging to allow Gilas to compete in the Jones Cup on July 12-21.
"Medyo mahirap ipasok sa calendar, but, at the moment, I still have to talk to coach Yeng (Guiao)," said Panlilio.
If the Jones Cup is out, Panlilio said they instead might arrange a mini-tournament or friendly games for the national team.
Vargas said one suggestion is a series of games pitting the Nationals and a team composed of PBA imports.
Everything will be arranged after a meeting between Panlilio and Guiao.
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Bleak is Blatche's stint in the PBA second conference.
"First, he'll not pass the 6-foot-10 height limit. Secondly, mahirap siyang gawin exception in fairness to everybody. We are 12 teams here in the PBA, eh kanino siya maglalaro?" said Vargas.
"While we want him, certain rules have to be adhered to," Vargas added. (SB)
