Gilas Pilipinas is set to face plenty of uncertainties over the next few weeks after losing all five matches in its recent FIBA World Cup campaign in China.
Among the obvious questions is the future of coach Yeng Guiao, who drew major criticism from fans for the way he handled the national cagers’ campaign during their Group C matches in Foshan and the two classification round games in Beijing.
Guiao told Manila-based scribes who opted to cover Gilas in the Chinese capital that he is open to any possibilities that includes the option of relinquishing the duties he held since the 2018 Asian Games.
The NLEX mentor was named Gilas coach after Chot Reyes stepped aside in the aftermath of the major brawl between the Philippines and Australia in the World Cup Qualifiers.
Guiao was quoted as saying as: “The situation will be easier to resolve once we talk to our bosses. Plus at this point, I’m open to anything.”
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio said last month that Guiao expressed desire to call the shots for the national team in the Southeast Asian Games.
Guiao, in fact, mentioned that he will make sure that those who failed to make the cut for the World Cup will have slots in the biennial meet.
But the SEA Games stint may now be up in the air following the World Cup debacle.
Another thing raised even before the end of Sunday’s 95-75 loss to Tokyo Olympics-bound Iran at the Wukesong Sport Arena is whether naturalized player Andray Blatche has played his final game in a Gilas jersey.
Blatche averaged 15.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.4 steals but struggled to replicate his performance from the 2014 World Cup in Spain.
He committed nine turnovers when Gilas was beaten 108-62 by Italy in the Group D opener last Aug. 31 before being held to five points two days later in the 126-67 loss to Serbia.
Gilas is due to arrive early Tuesday from Beijing, with players set to return to their PBA teams in the coming days to reinforce their preparations for the Governors’ Cup. (Jonas Terrado)