PBA reaffirms commitment to Gilas Pilipinas program

FILE – PBA commissioner Willie Marcial

The 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 the National Five. 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.