WITH the Asian Games just around the corner, the PVL could provide Alas Pilipinas one last proving ground before the continental meet.
League control committee chairman Sherwin Malonzo first told SPIN.ph that the league is once again exploring the possibility of inviting the national team to next month's PVL Invitational, reviving an idea that had been discussed in previous years, but never materialized.
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"I was proposing to invite the national team, Alas. Parang ano na nila 'yun, preparation for the Asian Games," he said.
While in years past, the national team's calendar did not align with the PVL's plans, the timing now appears to be far more favorable.
With the Asiad slated for September, the Invitational could serve as valuable tune-up for Alas and new head coach Taka Minowa, provided their training schedule allows for it.
Malonzo stressed that the decision ultimately hinges on the program laid out by the federation and the management handling the national team presently, that being the Philippine Olympic Committee.
"'Di ko pa kasi alam 'yung program ni coach Taka at saka ng whoever's running [the national team]," Malonzo added.
"Si coach Taka kasi, coaching lang 'yan eh. Kung ano ibigay sa kanya, susunod lang 'yan. But ultimately, ang trabaho niya is 'yung team. Where they go, hindi siya 'yun."
Invitational invites
The league, meanwhile, has already mapped out how it intends to complete the Invitational field.
Malonzo said the top four teams at the end of the ongoing PVL on Tour will be the first to receive invitations and hold what he called "right of first refusal."
If any of those top four clubs opt not to participate, the league will simply work its way down the preseason standings until all four slots for PVL teams are filled.
As in previous editions, two guest teams are also expected to round out the field, adding international flavor to the competition.
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