Next Gilas coach must be available ‘full-time’ and familiar with current program — SBP

SBP executive director Sonny Barrios. MARK GIONGCO/INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The search for the next head coach of the Philippine men’s national basketball team is down to two.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barrios said on Wednesday that the search and screening committee has narrowed down the candidates from the initial six to two.

Barrios though, kept his lips sealed as to who the last two names are.

While Barrios would not bare the names, he shared the qualities the next man for the job must have even as the committee’s preference.

“We had categorized the criteria in two, first the must and second what we prefer,” Barrios, who is part of the committee, told reporters during a PBA game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Barrios said the next coach must have experience coaching at the international level, a winner, a respected coach and must be available “full-time.”

Barrios added that the committee “prefers” someone who has familiarity with the Gilas Program.

According to the former PBA commissioner Barrios, PBA coaches were also considered for the job but were eventually cut with the committee preferring someone who is free from any commitments aside from being the national team coach.

“That’s what the committee used, and we arrived at two names that we intend to interview,” said Barrios. “As far as timeline is concerned, the committee wants to wrap up its work before the SBP board meeting in December.”

Barrios also made it clear that the search committee only recommends names and it will be SBP president and sports patron Manny V. Pangilinan who will have the final word.