Gilas Pilipinas is at a dilemma as to when it can resume training for the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers, hoping that scheduling issues won’t hound to team ahead of crucial matches against Australia and Japan.
The national team opened its campaign in Group B with victories over Japan and Taiwan last November but will be up for a big test in next month’s second window with a road game against Australia and a home match opposite the Japanese cagers.
Coach Chot Reyes said Gilas management is in talks with the PBA Commissioner’s Office to sort out things before setting a training schedule for the national team pool even during the ongoing Philippine Cup.
PBA Officer-In-Charge Willie Marcial is currently heading the league affairs after the resignation of Chito Narvasa as commissioner last week. “We’re still coordinating with the PBA,” Reyes said in a text message yesterday.
With the exception of naturalized player Andray Blatche and Fil-German Christian Standhardinger, all Gilas pool players are from the PBA.
Gilas plays Australia on Feb. 22 in Adelaide while the Mall of Asia Arena could likely host the Feb. 25 home match with Japan.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Chairman Emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan said he would like to see Gilas have an early preparation to avoid the short preparation the team endured in the first window.