Fiba delays, cancels 2 tourneys

The Gilas Pilipinas program is set to make a couple of adjustments once again after the international basketball federation (Fiba) decided to cancel and delay several events amid the COVID-19 crisis.

“Fiba has decided, after careful consideration, to change several events due to the ongoing developments of the COVID-19 virus,” the international body said in a statement released on Wednesday.

The Philippines’ 3×3 crew was scheduled to compete in the Olympic qualifiers in India on March 18, while Batang Gilas was supposed to see action in the Under-16 Asian Championships in Lebanon on April 5.

“The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas unequivocally supports Fiba’s postponement of the 3×3 Olympic Qualifiers,” said federation president Al Panlilio in a statement on Thursday.“At this time, the international community’s priority has to be the safety of the public, including our players and coaches,” it further read.

On the other hand, the U-16 tilt, which also doubles as a qualifier for the U-17 World Cup, has been called off.

“Of course, it’s disappointing,” head coach Sandy Arespacochaga told the Inquirer on Thursday. “We were excited for the boys and we’re very happy with our improvements. They were already coming together as a team.”

“While I’m glad of the [cancellation] because the virus is already spreading in some parts of the Middle Eastern region, I’m also sad because the boys have been practicing so hard in preparation for the tournament,” team manager Andrew Teh said.