FILE–Fiba World Cup Qualifiers at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) leadership on Thursday has elected to adjust the opening and the duration of its next season to aid Gilas Pilipinas’ build-up for the 2023 Fiba World Cup.
The 48th PBA season will now unfurl in September, right after the global showcase, and will just employ a two-conference format, league commissioner Willie Marcial told a handful of reporters shortly after a meeting between team governors in the league’s office in Libis.
“This is our help for Gilas’ preparations for 2023,” the league chief said of the move, which brings back the PBA to its old cycle of beginning its seasons around the fourth quarter of the year.
Marcial said the PBA has yet to determine which tournaments will be played in that season, but is certain that an All-Filipino showcase and an import-laden conference will be played.
Also discussed during the board meeting was Chot Reyes’ access to all but two teams in assembling a roster for the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers slated late next month.
“Coach Chot can select from all of the 10 teams that won’t be making the (Philippine Cup) Finals,” he said.
The Philippines is scheduled to play Lebanon on August 24 on the road. The Nationals will then host Saudi Arabia in a yet-to-be-determined venue.