Fiba shelters qualifiers under ‘bubble’ too

Mark Dickel

The international basketball federation (Fiba) on Friday announced that all of its continental qualifiers will be played in bubble-type environments.

The announcement, which came after careful consideration of its stakeholders and recommendations from its medical and competition commissions, will cover the Nov. 2020 and February 2021 qualifying windows.

“All games of both windows should be conducted in ‘bubbles’ instead of home and away games, with the agreement of the host public health authorities and in compliance with Fiba health protocols,” a portion of the statement read.

Each bubble will consist of four to eight teams and will be decided at a regional level, according to Fiba.

Gilas Pilipinas, with a squad featuring a healthy mix of collegiate standouts and young pro stars, has given the country a 1-0 card thus far in the Fiba Asia Cup after a 100-70 victory over Indonesia at Britama Arena in Jakarta last Feb. 23.

Al Panlilio, president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, has yet to reply to the Inquirer’s request for comment.

There had been no change in the roster makeup. As things stand, Mark Dickel remains as the team’s coach.