In the midst of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Final Phase, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, hosts of the event, also began forming the Gilas Pilipinas Men’s team that will compete in the 19th Asian Games in China.
On Monday evening, SBP President Al Panlilio met with key officials of the Philippine Basketball Association to request players for the continental meet that begins on September 23.
During the meeting hosted by San Miguel Corporation President Ramon S. Ang at the Makati Diamond Residences, PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas, Commissioner Willie Marcial, Vice Chairman Bobby Rosales, and SMC Sports Director Alfrancis Chua, Panlilio discussed his plans for the Asiad.
A press conference is scheduled to be held on Thursday at the PBA Office in Pasig.
The country’s overseas imports will not take part in the Asian Games as their respective teams have called them up to work. These players include Jordan Clarkson of Utah, Dwight Ramos of Hokkaido, Kiefer Ravena of Shiga, Rhenz Abando of Anyang, AJ Edu of Toyama, Bobby Ray Parks of Nagoya, Thirdy Ravena of San-En, and Kai Sotto of Hiroshima.
Chot Reyes also stepped down from his post as national team head coach last Saturday.
The Philippines is grouped with Jordan, Bahrain, and Thailand in the group phase.
The Philippines finished in fifth place in the 2018 edition of the tournament.
