PBA tweaks schedule anew to let TNT core join Gilas Pilipinas in Fiba windows
The Philippine Basketball Association has tweaked its schedule in the upcoming Philippine Cup to allow the TNT Tropang Giga to field its core when it is needed for international competitions.
“We’ve moved TNT’s games earlier in the conference to give them time to prepare and participate in the Fiba windows,” PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said Thursday during the league’s media day at Novotel in Cubao.
Article continues after this advertisementAccording to Marcial, the PBA has spoken to Gilas Pilipinas program director Chot Reyes to discuss and accommodate the needs of the national team for international competitions, including the coming Fiba windows.
Marcial’s statement came at the heels of the announcement by the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas that Gilas consultant Nenad Vucinic will handle the team that will participate in the Fiba third window slated in New Zealand.
The Philippines will play the Kiwis and India in that window.
Article continues after this advertisementThe SBP has also released an 18-man pool for the national squad, which does not include any PBA player.
Marcial, however, said the league is prepared in the event that the arrangement with the national program will remain the same despite the appointment of the new coach.
“If they need a hybrid squad that includes the TNT core, we are already ready for that,” Marcial said that.