BY WAYLON GALVEZ
Games Friday (Manama, Bahrain)
1 p.m. – India vs Lebanon
4 p.m. – Philippines vs Thailand
7 p.m. – Iraq vs Bahrain
Gilas Pilipinas will have to play Thailand twice in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers that will be played inside bubble in Manama, Bahrain on Nov. 26 to 30
Though the Nationals are bracketed with South Korea, Indonesia and Thailand in Group A, they have to see action only twice since the Koreans have opted not to play due to the threat of coronavirus disease.
FIBA has also decided to reschedule Gilas’ game against the Indons sometime in February.
The final schedule was a welcome development for Gilas Pilipinas, which left for Bahrain last Sunday facing questions of which teams they will face in the FIBA restart.
“It makes it simpler, but it’s not easy,” said Jong Uichico, who has been appointed head coach of the national team by the SBP for the second window of FIB Asia Cup qualifiers.
The national team plays Thailand first on Friday, and again on Monday.
Playing for the Nationals are Isaac Go, Matt and Mike Nieto, Rey Suerte, Kobe Paras, Calvin Oftana, Justin Baltazar, Kenmark Carino, Dave Ildefonso, Will Navarro, Jaydee Tungcab, and Gomez de Liano brothers Juan and Javi.
