SBP, PBA to meet over future Gilas program amid Fiba changes
PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa during the send-off for Gilas Pilipinas. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
The Philippine Basketball Association and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas on Wednesday expressed willingness to work together as problems involving the country’s basketball program could arise following the implementation of Fiba’s new calendar.
Both SBP executive director Sonny Barrios and league commissioner Chito Narvasa assured the two parties will discuss and try to come up with solutions on how the country will be able to continue forming the best team possible without greatly affecting the PBA.
“The formation of the cadet program as publicized is borne out of necessity because of the Fiba home and away calendar which, if they pursue, will mean international competitions about four times a year,” said Barrios during Gilas’ sendoff dinner at Novotel Manila Araneta Center in Cubao. “Obviously, the PBA cannot disrupt its schedule four times a year that’s why I’m saying it’s borne out of necessity because we have to field a competitive team in international competitions.”
“Having said that, the PBA and the SBP will sit down and see how we can work together with the end goal of fielding in the best players,” Barrios added.
Narvasa cleared the PBA and the SBP have no differences, making it easy for both sides to arrive at a conclusion.
“If you would think that there is perceived conflict between the PBA and the SBP, there’s none. What is on the table is just a matter of schedule. We’re aware of their programs, they’re aware of our schedules so it’s a matter of sitting down and discussing how to proceed,” Narvasa said.
“If you think that’s going to be a difficult decision for all of us, I don’t think so. Maybe a lengthy meeting but I’m pretty sure of what the objective will be.”
The SBP has been working on the revival of the original Gilas program where the country’s top amateur stars made up the national team similar to the team formed in 2009 under the guidance of Serbian coach Rajko Toroman.
“Everybody has to adapt to the new calendar and at our end, because Mr. Pangilinan has a high standard for the competitiveness of the national team, we have to do something so that moving forward, we will not only keep our high ranking but even exceed what we have achieved so far,” Barrios said.
The country currently has a Cadet team composed of fresh out of college players led by Kiefer Ravena and Mac Belo.
