Gilas has to make do with cadets for Asian Games

MANILA, Philippines – For next season and perhaps the succeeding years, the Philippine Basketball Association is forced to go back to its old season calendar starting in January because of all its commitment to Gilas Pilipinas.

The next PBA Rookie Draft, where Bobby Ray Parks is a top prospect, is set December 16, and PBA Season 44 is to open on January 6.

The pro league has to make the adjustments as it is committed to take a number of breaks in the ongoing season to give way to the remaining FIBA windows in the qualifiers for the 2019 World Cup in China.

The PBA, however, may no longer accommodate the Asian Games in Indonesia in August, and Team Philippines may have to make to do with its cadet players.

“We’re stopping play in the July and September windows of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers. And as it is, we’re opening our next season in January. If we also take a break in August for the Asian Games, our season would be in total disarray,” said PBA commissioner Willie Marcial.

“Coach Chot (Reyes) has to make a choice — a FIBA window or the Asian Games,” Marcial also said.

The PBA is committed to lend players to Gilas for its games against Chinese Taipei in Taiwan on June 29, against Australia at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue on July 2 and in the second round in September, November and February.

“If we also play in the Asian Games, I might already lose my job,” said Marcial in jest.

Gilas coach Chot Reyes has earlier said they would make the preparation for the Asian Games based on the agreement they would get from the pro league.

Minus the PBA players, Reyes has the Gilas cadets to lean on.

The Gilas cadets have had three practice sessions, and they’re to figure in a training tourney in the coming FilOil Premier Cup.

Among those seen in practice were Ricci Rivero, CJ Perez, J-Jay Alejandro, Paul Desiderio, Juan Gomez de Liano, Will Gozum, Jeo Ambohot, Arvin Tolentino, Kenneth Tuffin, JV Mocon and Vince Tolentino.

Kobe Paras is set to fly in from the United States to join the Gilas training.

Kai Sotto, a dominant force in the recent Asia Under-16 championship in China, has also been invited to join the Gilas cadets for the FilOil Cup.