MILAN – The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) stressed that Mark Dickel’s stint as Gilas Pilipinas coach is just on a short-term basis, while the process of finding a full-time mentor remains a priority.
SBP president Al Panlilio said Dickel’s stint with the national team will only be for the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 qualifiers. Then hopefully, by the second window in November, a permanent coach will already be on board to handle the Gilas program.
“We really have to start the process of hiring a full-time coach,” said Panlilio on Thursday during a break in the annual planning session of the PBA Board, where he also sits as the representative of the Meralco franchise.
Dickel was named by the SBP on Wednesday as Gilas coach on an interim basis. He will handle the national team’s training and preparation for the first window of the Asia Cup qualifiers.
The meet kicks off on Feb. 20 when the Philippines hosts Thailand. The Filipinos then travel to Jakarta and face the home team next on Feb. 23.
The SBP has formed a 24-man pool from where the final 12 players will come from.
Among those included were Japeth Aguilar, CJ Perez, Mac Belo, Matthew Wright, Kiefer Ravena, Poy Erram, Christian Standhardinger, Roger Pogoy, Bobby Ray Parks, Troy Rosario, Isaac Go, Matt and Mike Nieto, Rey Suerte, Ailyn Bulanadi, Justine Baltazar, Dave Ildefonso, Thirdy Ravena, Koeb Paras, Juan and Javi Gomez de Liaño, Jaydee Tungcab, and Dwight Ramos.
