Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio has called a general meeting for all of the federation’s stakeholders on August 1.
This comes after Gilas Pilipinas Men’s nightmare ninth-place finish in the FIBA Asia Cup — the Philippines’ worst finish in the continental meet in 13 years.
Cited as one of the reasons for the dismal outing is the lack of training time and player availability.
Gilas head coach Chot Reyes had no excuses for the dismal showing but said the outcome could’ve been different if top scorer Dwight Ramos and naturalized player Ange Kouame suited up. He said the team began practice last July 6, a week before the Philippines’ first game against Lebanon and Poy Erram, the only active PBA player on the roster, attended only thrice.
That is why Panlilio’s major agenda in the meeting is to address these issues heading to the final three windows of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, the 2023 Southeast Asian Games, and the World Cup proper.
“As FIBA secretary-general Andreas Zagklis mentioned, it’s been nearly 25 years since Greece hosted a world basketball event,” said Panlilio.
“We really have to give it our full support from all basketball stakeholders.”
Panlilio said FIBA will assist in securing clearance for Gilas players from foreign leagues.
The PBA will play only two conferences next year and clear its calendar starting in May up to the end of the World Cup. Drafting players for the three coming windows, however, is a concern.
Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson is sure to play in the World Cup and will likely join Gilas in the fourth window against Lebanon in Beirut on Aug. 25 and Saudi Arabia at the MOA Arena on Aug. 29 but won’t be available for the two other windows and the SEA Games.
SBP will also reach out to Kai Sotto for the three windows, SEA Games and the World Cup.
Panlilio said the time for leagues to sacrifice and adjust schedules with Gilas in mind is now as the World Cup is only a year away.
