Gilas’ Russian buildup okayed

MANILA, Philippines — The PBA has granted Gilas Pilipinas coach Yeng Guiao’s wish of getting the ball rolling for the Nationals’ buildup for the FIBA World Cup with twice-a-week practices beginning June while also greenlighting a four-day stint in Russia for the preparations.

“The board approved twice-a-week practices every Mondays and Fridays starting June,” PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said after yesterday’s board meeting in Quezon City. 

Guiao’s other wish in the gear-up for the Aug. 31-Sept. 15 worlds in China – daily practices in August – is still up in the air, though.

“It’s still being discussed as it will be the semis and finals (of the Commissioner’s Cup) at that time,” said Marcial.

The league, though, is considering the possibility of adjusting the playoffs of the Commissioner’s Cup so it will finish the soonest.

This in part is aimed to accommodate a camp in Russia, where the Nationals expect to toughen up further playing bigger opponents before going to battle in the World Cup versus Serbia, Italy and Angola.

Meanwhile, Marcial said the planned tuneup with Australia – a side the Filipinos had brawled with – has been ruled out due to the Aussies’ full schedule.