GILAS Pilipinas is looking to play in a pocket tournament in Spain in its buildup for the Fiba World Cup after a planned trip to Russia was shelved.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio said a plan to play at least two games in Russia has now been shelved, prompting team manager Gabby Cui to arrange instead a four-team, pocket tournament in Europe.
Panlilio said Gilas will play the national teams of Spain, Ivory Coast, and Congo in the meet which could likely be in August or earlier, depending on the revised schedule being done by the PBA for the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup.
The SBP chief presented the national team’s itinerary leading to the FIBA World Cup during the PBA board's monthly meeting on Thursday in Libis, Quezon City.
“Based on the schedule we (SBP) submitted to the PBA, yun ang naka-calendar doon – practice games and a mini-tournament in Spain,” said Panlilio after the meeting presided by league chairman Ricky Vargas.
“And then before that some more games that we’re asking the Spanish federation to set up for us.”
Initially, Russia was part of the Gilas schedule but the SBP begged off at the last minute as the Russian Basketball Federation headed by former NBA player Andre Kirilenko could only arrange one tune-up game for the Filipinos.
“It fell through because it’s just one game that they are committing to,” said Panlilio, who is also the Meralco Bolts’ representative to the league board. “So sabi namin, it’s going to be too painful going to Russia for just a game."
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said no decision has been made on whether national coach Yeng Guiao will get his wish of having a daily practice for Gilas in the final month heading to the China showpiece.
“Depende pa kung ano ang mapagkakasunduan na schedule, so titignan namin kung saan kami mag-a-adjust,” said Marcial, who joined Panlilio during the short presser with board vice chairman Richard Bachmann of Alaska and Atty. Raymond Zorrilla of Phoenix.
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