PARA sa bansa over para sa bayan?
As hard of a decision as it is, Gilas Pilipinas Youth coach Juno Sauler is hoping that his players would prioritize serving national cause over their participation in the upcoming 2026 Palarong Pambansa.
"What I'm trying to ask the coaches of these players is that they focus already on the SEABA tournament," he said on Thursday after the national youth team's 92-74 loss to the University of the Philippines in the 19th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup.
"It's going to be tough if the players leave and then they'll be gone for seven to eight days. (Also) considering we have guys coming in, if they'll go to Palaro, hindi na sila magkikita-kita. So I'm asking the coaches that the players commit already for the national cause to play for the national program."
Of the names in Sauler's pool, Chog Moral (Central Luzon), Ethan Aguas (NCR), Kyle Sardon (Western Visayas), and Lian Kent Basa and Jacob Lacson (Central Visayas) are all expected to be vital part of their region's boys' basketball squads in the annual Palaro slated in Agusan del Sur from May 24 to 31.
Meanwhile, the 2026 FIBA U18 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers will be held in Krabi, Thailand, from June 10 to June 14 where the Philippines is coming in as favorite.
Speed bumps in run-up to SEABA
Sauler is in such a quandary given that he has already whittled the pool for the SEABA qualifiers from 20 to just 15.
Among the recent Gilas Youth cuts were Andwele Cabañero, Shaun Lucido, Jaime Teodoro, Jibson Gaviola, and Eoin Braga, with Fil-Am Aidan Green begging off due to personal reasons.
Still in the running for the final 12 are the aforementioned five, as well as Patrick Pasinos, Louis Razon, Bruce Tubongbanua, JB Cagurungan, Ziv Espinas, Prince Cariño, Andrew Chio, and Fil-Ams Lance Amos, Joaquin Tovera, and Hans Patagoc.
"Imagine, we're 15 now. 'Pag umalis yung lima, ang hirap naman, di ba?" Sauler lamented.
"So sana maintindihan ng schools, ng coaches, and ng mga tao. I'm sure the people want to see these players play there, but it's also their commitment to be with SBP and part of the national program."
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