TEAM Pilipinas is looking to take part in several international tournaments including the Jones Cup as part of its preparation for this year's FIBA World Cup.
National coach Yeng Guiao said plans are now being laid out on the possible foreign stint of the team after it formally earned a berth in the August 31 to Sept. 15 world meet to be held in China.
Of course everything would depend on the adjustment in the playing schedule to be made by the PBA. There is no schedule yet for the Jones Cup this year, but past three editions were held mid to late July.
"Initially pinag- aaralan namin kung kaya ng PBA schedule yung Jones Cup," said Guiao. "Initially yun pa lang, sa ngayon."
The move, according to Guiao, is part of further enhancing the bonding and camaraderie of the team.
"Kailangan magsama-sama tayo ng mas matagal at lumaban ng ibang tournaments," said the Team Pilipinas mentor.
Guiao also plans to start training early to avoid the usual cramming that marred the national team's previous international tournament preparations including the recent FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
At the same time, Guiao expressed his intention to retain the same national team for the coming world championship, although he did mention that a lot of things are still bound to happen between now and August.
"Personally, kung ngayon mo ako tatanungin, siyempre gusto ko," he said.
"Pero matagal pa naman yun. Meron pang puwedeng mag iba."
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