BOARD TO REVISIT GILAS PILIPINAS PARTICIPATION
THE PBA Board or Governors will take its time to weigh things over before deciding whether it will accept Gilas Pilipinas as guest team in the season-ending Governors’ Cup.
Commissioner Chito Salud said the suggestion was presented Thursday when members of the league Board under chairman Ramon Segismundo convened to discuss the application of the three companies seeking to become the new expansion teams of Asia’s pioneering pro league.
Segismundo himself mentioned the matter before the Board just days after the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) brought up the idea of allowing Gilas Pilipinas to compete in the season’s final conference as part of the team’s preparation for both the FIBA World Cup in Spain and the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.
Salud stressed the proposal had been discussed within the Board in the past, both formally and informally.
“It was re-proposed today and the Board will revisit it with the due importance that it deserves and will deliberate on it with openness.”
The commissioner said a decision will be made on the issue by the next Board meeting on March 27.
The last time the league allowed a national squad to participate as guest team came in the 2011 season when Smart Gilas under coach Rajko Toroman competed in the Commissioner’s Cup as the Nationals were in the thick of their preparation for the FIBA-Asia Men’s Championship.
Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes earlier said he welcomes the chance for his 17-man pool to see action in the import-laden conference.
“Anything that can give us more time to practice or prepare, that’s good for us,” said Reyes after conducting Gilas’ first formal practice for the FIBA World Cup Monday night. (GR)
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
