Pocket tourney up for Gilas in FIBA World Cup buildup

MANILA, Philippines – Instead of playing in the Jones Cup, Gilas Pilipinas may compete in a pocket tourney right at home or play a series of friendlies in preparation for the 2019 FIBA World Cup starting August 30 in China.

“The Jones Cup is quite challenging as it is set July 12-21 (in conflict with the PBA schedule), but we’re looking at our options. We may organize a mini tournament or arrange friendlies against teams that will not be in our bracket,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio.

“There’s also a suggestion to set a series between Gilas and a team composed of PBA imports, but we’ll wait for coach Yeng’s final request,” Panlilio added.

What is certain is that the Philippine Basketball Association is opening windows in its season schedule to provide training periods for the national team that will compete in the FIBA World Cup then in the Southeast Asian Games in December.

In a meeting in the PBA office Friday, the PBA board redrew a calendar that is now to end by March next year.

“It’s an unusual year for the PBA because of the FIBA World Cup and the SEA Games, and the PBA is doing a supreme sacrifice,” said PBA board chairman Ricky Vargas.

“As we had to align so many things, the current calendar has been stretched all the way to next year. But that’s a happy problem for the PBA to show how committed the PBA is to our national team program,” Vargas also said.

Meanwhile, almost everybody in the board expressed doubt on whether Andray Blatche may pass the height limit to get his wish to play as import in the coming PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Vargas ruled out the possibility of making Blatche an exception to the rule or maybe changing the rule for all the teams.

“Mahirap siyang gawin exception in fairness to everybody. We are 12 teams here in the PBA, eh kanino siya maglalaro?” said Vargas. “While we want him, certain rules have to be adhered to.”

Height limit for the imports in the second conference is 6-foot-10. Meanwhile, Blatche is listed at 6-foot-11.

“But the issue is more than height. It’s about fairness. We must also think about the PBA as we think about the national team,” said Vargas.

But Vargas and Panlilio feel it’s better for Blatche to continue to play in China as for his preparation for the World Cup.