Just like other athletes preparing for tournaments this year, Gilas Pilipinas will likewise take a break from its training camp inside the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna.
This after the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) advised the teams through the different national sports association to take a break in light of the government-imposed Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) on March 29 to April 4 due to the spike of COVID-19 cases in the country.
“As always, we will remain supportive of the decisions coming from the PSC,” Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio said Monday in a statement, adding that the federation will strictly follow the relevant precautionary measure from the Department of Health.
“The timing is unfortunate because our Gilas Pilipinas pool has been putting a lot of work to prepare for FIBA competitions in the coming months.”
“It’s been a difficult stretch for the SBP and the team as COVID-19 has affected so many of our plans, but we have no other choice but to adjust and move forward,” added Panlilio.
The national men’s basketball team pool led by Program Director Tab Baldwin is preparing for the third and last window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers and the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in June.
“Right now, we all have to hunker down and stay safe at home. We thank our players, coaches, and staff for soldiering on amidst the difficult situation,” said Panlilio.
Gilas resumed its training camp at Inspire last March 15 with a total of 27 players and coaches.
In a list provided by the SBP, the four players picked during the Gilas Pilipinas Special PBA Rookie Draft recently were on the list, including Fil-Australian Jordan Heading, Tzaddy Rangel, William Navarro and Jaydee Tungcab.
The other players are Justine Baltazar, Carl Tamayo, Rj Abarientos, Dwight Ramos, Lebron Lopez, Dave Ildefonso, Troy Mallillin, Josh Lazaro, Jason Credo, Chris Koon, Kyle Ong, Geo Chiu, Sj Belangel, Gian Mamuyac and naturalized prospect Angelo Kouame.
Aside from Baldwin, the other coaches on the Gilas staff are Jong Uichico, Caloy Garcia, Alton Lister, Boyet Fernandez, Sandy Arespachochaga, Gabby Severino and Sandro Soriano.