PBA reaffirms commitment to national program

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to the new era of the national program.

“The PBA’s commitment remains the same: Whatever Gilas needs—whether it be coaches, players, or even utility personnel—the league is readily available to lend a hand,” PBA commissioner Willie Marcial told the Inquirer on Friday.

The renewed support comes ahead of the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup qualification window, the first international meet for Gilas Pilipinas. A new coach is also expected to be named soon, with Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone, the architect behind the Philippines’ reclamation of the Asian Games gold, emerging as a prime choice.

Marcial said that the PBA has recently met with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ leadership in a bid to determine the best approach for a busy year that includes the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) for the Paris Summer Games.

The Philippines has been drawn with Georgia and host Lavia in one of the four OQTs that will determine the final cast that will play in the glitzy French capital.

Also discussed were the list of players and other coaches who will complete Gilas.

Marcial, in deference to the SBP, begged off from divulging more details. But the league chief shared that members of the squad that helped deliver the country’s first Asiad gold in 61 years are in consideration as well as those plying their trade “outside the PBA”.

“But the players will also depend on who the coach is going to be, and of course, their availability,” he said.
Marcial said that the league will once again modify its schedule to accommodate international competitions, which means that the upcoming Governors’ Cup will have breaks. INQ