Norman Black is hoping that the UAAP will adjust its collegiate basketball schedule to allow its student-athletes to join Gilas Pilipinas Men for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December.
So far, the roster includes eight confirmed players: naturalized Filipinos Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame, B.League imports Ray Parks and Matthew Wright, PBA draftee Jason Brickman, Fil-Am guard Remy Martin, Abra Weavers’ Dave Ildefonso, and UP forward Veejay Pre.
Pre is available for the SEA Games because he is serving a one-year residency and will not be suiting up in UAAP Season 88.
That leaves four open slots for the 12-man lineup, and Black is specifically looking to add big men from the collegiate ranks.
“We still have four slots left. We’re hoping to add big men because, if you listen to the names I gave you, we lack size,” Black said.
“We are also hoping for some consideration from the UAAP since they have a lot of young and talented big men who can help us. Hopefully, they’ll be able to make adjustments to allow some of their players to play in the Southeast Asian Games.”
The UAAP usually ends its collegiate basketball tournaments in mid-December.
“Yes, it’s a problem. That’s why I mentioned earlier that for us to recruit some of their star players for the SEA Games team, adjustments would need to be made,” he furthered.
“Based on the schedule I’ve seen, the UAAP would have to make some changes to accommodate us.”
While Black has not disclosed which UAAP student-athletes he is eyeing, he confirmed that several have expressed willingness to join if given the opportunity.
“I’d rather not mention their names. The players I already named have committed, so I can publicly say that. But I don’t want to mention someone who hasn’t committed yet. I have spoken to some UAAP players, and they indicated they’d be willing to play if given the option,” he said.
The challenge is not unique to the men’s team.
Gilas Women are also hoping to complete their SEA Games lineup with UAAP student-athletes.
Patrick Aquino’s Fil-Am players will not be available during that period as they are in the midst of the NCAA season.
On the other hand, the PBA has yet to receive an official request from the SBP regarding the biennial meet.
The PBA will still be in the midst of the elimination round of the 2025–26 Philippine Cup during the SEA Games.
League commissioner Willie Marcial said the league remains open to helping.
“SBP ang magpapatakbo noon. Tanungin lang natin si President (Al) Panlilio at si ED Erika (Dy) kung ano ang kailangan nila sa SBP, okay naman kami. Pero wala pa kaming final na napag-uusapan,” Marcial said.
#WATCH: Gilas Men’s head coach Norman Black reveals the committed players for the 33rd SEA Games this December 🇵🇭🏀
🎥 @justinebacnis/ Tiebreaker Times#LabanPilipinas pic.twitter.com/7Be9ZqVjV2
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) September 5, 2025
