THE PBA board has deferred a decision on possible replacement players for Gilas Pilipinas for the coming second window of the Fiba World Cup qualifiers.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio said the priority at the moment is to form a team, backstopped by Rain or Shine, for the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia next month.
“Wala pa. We had to finish this issue first,” said Panlilio shortly after attending the regular monthly meeting of the league board on Thursday at the PBA office in Libis.
The SBP, however, made a surprising U-turn by pulling out the Rain or Shine-led side coached by Yeng Guiao - as well as the women's and 3x3 teams - from the August 18 to September 2 showcase in Indonesia.
The SBP is again looking to sit down with the league board to discuss the likely players set to take over the spots of those suspended by FIBA for the brawl that marred the July 2 game between Gilas Pilipinas and Australia.
“But right away, because malapit na rin kasi yung September window, we will sit down with the PBA again on the other (Gilas) players,” said Panlilio, who also sits as member of the PBA board representing Meralco.
The second round of the qualifier begins on Sept. 13.
The good thing, according to Panlilio, is that the league is open to lending its players anew despite the controversy that hounded the national team.
‘Com Willie (Marcial) has said it and it was repeated during the board earlier that the PBA is open to lending players again to the Gilas pool to replace the 10 players who had been suspended,” said the SBP president.
Marcial said the board is scheduled to convene again on August 15.
The 10 Gilas players suspended by Fiba were Calvin Abueva, Carl Bryan Cruz, RR Pogoy, Jio Jalalon, Terrence Romeo, Jayson Castro, naturalized player Andray Blatche, Troy Rosario, Japeth Aguilar, Matthew Wright
Also meted out suspensions were coach Chot Reyes (one game) and deputy Jong Uichico (three games).
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