TEAM Pilipinas will have the benefit of an early start to its preparations for the Fiba World Cup by holding twice-to-week practices starting this June.
The national team will have its weekly training every Monday and Thursday and is planning to travel to Russia for possible tune-up games prior to its campaign in the July 31 to August 15 showpiece in China.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas led by President Al Panlilio (SBP) laid down the proposal during its joint meeting with the PBA board on Thursday afternoon at the league office in Libis.
The board unanimously approved the SBP proposal.
"Naaprubahan ng board yung gusto ni coach Yeng (Guiao) na twice-a-week practice," said Commissioner Willie Marcial in a press briefing that followed the meeting.
However, the board withheld a decision on Guiao's request for one month of daily training for the Philippine team leading up to the campaign in Foshan, where Gilas will be grouped with Italy, Serbia, and Angola.
"Yung tungkol sa August pag-uusapan pa kung paano kasi semifinals and finals yun (Commissioner's Cup). So inaayos pa natin kung paano," said Marcial.
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