Alaska team owner Wilfred Uytengsu has what he calls a ‘win-win’ solution for Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and the PBA in forming the Gilas Cadet that will compete in a series of qualifying tournaments starting next year for the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
According to Uytengsu, there are certain questions being asked, particularly the non-participation of amateur or collegiate players that will be selected to the Gilas program in this year’s PBA Rookie Draft.
The solution, Uytengsu said, is to let these players join the Draft.
“These players, however, will not be eligible to play in the PBA,” said Uytengsu, adding that the players will only be allowed to join the pro league until after their respective contracts with Gilas is completed, or the national team decides to release them to their respective PBA teams.
“Upon being drafted, players will be paid a monthly allowance of P50,000 a month by the mother team, augmenting the salary from the national team. This allows the team that drafted the player to retain the player’s rights,” said Uytengsu.