PBA plans to include Gilas Pilipinas in PH Cup as guest team

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is looking into the possibility of including Gilas Pilipinas as a guest team in the upcoming Philippine Cup.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial bared the initial plan and said that Gilas joining the PBA next season will help with their cohesiveness as a team as well as provide more exposure to the players.

“We said that if they do not have practices or training, or if they are not joining any leagues, they can join our first conference this season,” Marcial said.

If they will join the PH Cup, Isaac Go, Mike and Matt Nieto, Allyn Bulanadi, and Rey Suerte are expected to join the squad together with five other members that are yet to be disclosed by Gilas.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio said that they will pick around three to five players in the special Gilas draft pick in the upcoming 2021 PBA draft and will plan to include them in the roster.

Panlilio, program director coach Tab Baldwin and the rest of the Gilas committee still did not commit to Marcial’s offer and will conduct a series of meeting regarding the PBA proposal.

However, Gilas’ focus is mainly on their quest to attain FIBA 2021 Asia Cup Qualifiers glory in Doha, Qatar and will try to maintain their number one spot in their group.