PBA mulls 16-man pro pool for Gilas

MANILA, Philippines - Heeding strong public clamor, the Philippine Basketball Association said yesterday it would continue extending help to the national team in elite international tournaments.

PBA chairman Mamerto Mondragon and commissioner Chito Salud bared the league’s plan to make available a certain number of pro players for Smart Gilas in the next FIBA Asia Championship.

Mondragon and Salud said they’re looking at a 16-man pro pool that they would discuss with Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

“We have to sit down with SBP on this. We have to know their plans for the next two years. But definitely, we’re willing to make available players for the national team,” said Salud during the media launch of the 37th PBA season at Diamond Hotel.

“That would answer the concern of fans and both the SBP and the PBA. We still have a lot of room to improve and we’re taking small steps to go there,” Salud added.

“The PBA is responsive to the clamor of basketball fans and we’re mandated by the SBP by-laws to serve,” Mondragon said.

The PBA officials, however, stressed lending pro players to the national team would also depend on certain conditions, including no disruption to the PBA schedule.

“The PBA players will play preferably international tournaments held August to September. That won’t run on conflict with our schedule,” said Salud.

The pro league looks forward to keeping its partnership with the national cage federation as it also sees the value of its players representing the country in international play.

“Undoubtedly, the success of Smart Gilas brings basketball higher to the consciousness of the fans,” said Salud. “The entry of eight Gilas players to the PBA will energize the PBA.”

The PBA definitely had its contribution to Smart Gilas’ fourth-place finish in the recent Wuhan meet.

The pro league let Smart Gilas play as guest team in the 2010-11 Commissioner’s Cup then loaned four players in Asi Taulava, Kelly Williams, Jimmy Alapag and Ranidel de Ocampo.

The PBA officials discussed the plan of having its 16-man pool while in Wuhan to cheer for the Nationals.