Black set for SEAG duty

MANILA, Philippines — Seasoned coach Norman Black has been tasked with leading Gilas Pilipinas Men’s title defense in the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand in December.

Black, who previously steered the “Sinag” team to the SEAG gold in 2011 in Indonesia, will have a squad beefed up by naturalized players Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame and a few PBA players.

The PBA board approved yesterday the participation of its players in the SEAG but on a “limited” capacity.

“Limited number of players from the PBA since ongoing ang ating Season 50 at that time,” said Marcial, referring to the Philippine Cup that will start in October and will run smack into hostilities in the Dec. 9 to 20 SEA Games.

Highly unlikely to be available are Gilas mainstays June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, Scottie Thompson, Jamie Malonzo, Japeth Aguilar, Calvin Oftana and Chris Newsome.

Black, currently the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ Grassroots Program Player Identification and Development head, is stepping in with Gilas coach Tim Cone tied up with the Nationals’ campaign in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers opening window on Nov. 24 to Dec. 2 and Barangay Ginebra’s bid in the PBA.

The pro league also gave the greenlight to the Meralco Bolts’ stint in the East Asia Super League.

Marcial explained that the tight schedules led the PBA to decide to send only one representative, from the usual two, to the home-and-away league that also tips off in October.

Asia’s first play-for-pay league is looking forward to a memorable golden season with a touch of international flavor.

According to Marcial, clubs from Macau, Hong Kong and Indonesia have expressed their interest to play, and the PBA is open to accommodating them in either the Commissioner’s Cup or Governors’ Cup. “Pag-aaralan pa natin kung anong conference, if ever,” he said.

The PBA will likewise bring the action overseas with gigs in Dubai (Oct. 25) and Bahrain (Dec. 15 and 17) already finalized and more sorties eyed in Abu Dhabi, Doha, Saudi Arabia and New York throughout the three-conference season.