Gilas to benefit in PBA’s new timeout rule

FILE–Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao. PBA IMAGES

The PBA’s decision to eliminate the option of players on the floor calling timeouts beginning with the 48th season is a small change that will have a big effect on those suiting up for both club and country.

“The closer we get to the Fiba (International Basketball Federation) rules, the better it is for us,” Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said when asked by the Inquirer of one of the changes to be applied starting with the season-opening Commissioner’s Cup on Nov. 5.

Along with the long-clamored coaches challenge, the new rule is expected to help improve the quality of play in the big league, especially with some teams taking part in international competitions, and obviously, with Gilas Pilipinas in mind.

Past PBA seasons saw players use the timeout option to escape dire situations where they are either double- or triple-teamed or in loose ball scrambles. Others, meanwhile, will be asked by coaches to call a timeout immediately after a stop to set up a play in a tight contest.

“As discussed during the coaches’ meeting and most of whom agreed, we have two reasons,” deputy commissioner Eric Castro said. “One, Fiba alignment, and two, to reward good defense.”

The outlawed rule remains in effect in the NBA while all Fiba games, as well as most of the leagues in the world, only allow coaches to call for a break during dead ball situations or after a made shot.

Locally, all tournaments outside of the PBA, from the UAAP, NCAA and MPBL all the way to weekend, barangay and youth tournaments, implement full Fiba rules. I