SAMAHANG Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is hoping the original schedule for the November window of the 2021 Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers will be followed, with officials saying the cramped new schedule is unfair to Gilas.
"We have been in discussions with Fiba and we want to follow the competition calendar where we're supposed to play Thailand and Korea," said SBP president Al Panlilio on Thursday. "We're prepared to play two games against Thailand, and (one against) Korea."
Under the original schedule, Gilas Pilipinas will take on Thailand on Nov. 26, Korea on Nov. 28, and Thailand again on Nov. 30.
This schedule is still on the Fiba Asia Cup's official website.
However, reports over the past few days state that Fiba has made changes to the series of games to be played in the Manama bubble, with Spin.ph obtaining a copy of the said schedule revisions.
Those changes indicate that the Philippine team will have a grueling schedule of four games-in-four days, with the Thailand game moved to November 27, and a November 29 game against Indonesia, which was moved from the third window in February 2021.
Panlilio said that the schedule change puts the Philippines at a disadvantage.
"That is unfair to us," he said. "Dapat sa February pa yun, (the second games against) Korea and Indonesia. We want to follow the competition calendar given to us and that's where we stand today."
SBP chairman emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan said the scheduling problems may have been caused by the uncertainty of Korea's participation in the said window.
Korea has reportedly begged off from flying to Bahrain due to COVID-19 concerns, but it is unclear whether Fiba will forfeit its games or reschedule them. .
"Korea has indicated that for their own reasons, they will not be able to participate. If the team doesn't show up, I guess Fiba should impose sanctions whether financially or forfeit the game," said Pangilinan.
In Pangilinan's eyes, Fiba's verdict on the case of Korea will be crucial in Gilas' schedule heading to the third window next year.
"It's not clear yet what the Fiba decision is. They might not impose on Korea. We're waiting for that decision. The forfeiture part will drive who we'll play in the February window as well," he said. "Does Korea forfeit this game? In my idea, technically they should."
Pangilinan said that Gilas will have no problem playing Indonesia, but only in an exhibition game.
"We're happy to play with Indonesia anytime, but the question is whether the ruling for that game will be rated or unrated? If it's a friendly game, I have no problem. But if it's a rated game, we're looking as if may big question mark for us, if I'll put it politely."
Panlilio, though, knows that clarity will only be achieved in the coming days as SBP is set to engage in more dialogues with Fiba regarding the matter, with Gilas set to fly to Bahrain on Sunday.
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