Gilas target: Quick way back to training

MANILA, Philippines — The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is looking for ways to get Gilas Pilipinas back in training following the confirmation of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers playdate on June 16-20 in Clark, Pampanga.

Gilas was forced to break camp at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna after the province was placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) along with Metro Manila last March 29. The ECQ lasted until April 11 and was replaced by the modified ECQ that will run all the way to April 30.

If the SBP will have its way, Gilas should resume training immediately once the MECQ is lifted in the NCR Plus, including Laguna.

Setting up a bubble camp in areas under less strict quarantine levels (general community quarantine or modified GCQ) is also an option for the federation.

“We are exploring all possibilities so we can continue with our training,” SBP president Al Panlilio told The STAR.

The SBP is preparing a youth-laden team for the qualifiers, where Gilas is slated to face Asian power South Korea twice and Indonesia once in Group A.

The Pinoy dribblers, who sit atop the standings with six points on a 3-0 win-loss card, need to finish in the Top 2 of their group to qualify for the Asia Cup set Aug. 16-30 in Indonesia.

Aside from preparing Gilas, the SBP has its hands full organizing the third window of the qualifiers in a bubble setup in Clark. As announced by FIBA, the Philippines will also host the games of Groups B and C, in addition to Gilas’ own group.