
Gilas Pilipinas could take part in the second conference of the PBA’s 46th season depending on discussions between the league and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial once again expressed the league’s openness in having Gilas play at least a certain number of games for the second phase of the season that was given the nod to start by the Inter-Agency Task Force.
Marcial said further discussions with the SBP leadership led by president Al Panlilio in the future will determine if Gilas’ participation is possible.
“Depende sa paguusapan ni presidente Al Panlilio kung makakalaro ang Gilas,” Marcial said in the virtual press conference held Friday, July 9.
“Kahit hindi buong conference o kahit pailan-ilan, mga six or seven games depende sa pag-uusapan namin at depende din sa program ng SBP,” added Marcial.
A possible participation could be beneficial for both Gilas and the league by the time the still-unnamed conference rolls on.
The PBA will give an avenue for Gilas to continue honing a group once the FIBA Asia Cup in Jakarta, Indonesia next month concludes.
But that stint will still depend if something bigger comes up for Gilas in the months following the continental tournament.
Gilas, composed mostly of a group of youngsters from the collegiate ranks, swept the final three games of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers and showed some competitiveness despite losing to host Serbia and the Dominican Republic in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.