SBP Chief Al Panlilio says release of PBA vets proof of strong partnership with pro league

JUST as expected, the Philippines will send its best of the best players to compete in the FIBA Asia Cup, one of the elite tournaments being participated in by Gilas Pilipinas the previous years.

On Tuesday, the PBA has announced it is allowing the release of one player each per team to reinforce the Philippine squad, just like it previously did in the recent SEABA Championship, a qualifying event that ensured Gilas Pilipinas entry when it dominated the tournament a few months back.

But just like in the SEABA, Gilas Pilipinas will be at its full strength for the FIBA Asia Cup and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Al Panlilio could not hide his satisfaction.

“I am very happy with this development. It just shows how solid the partnership between the SBP and PBA is. We are one in ensuring we are able to form the best national teams we need to compete internationally especially in the FIBA sanctioned tournaments. For the flag and country,” Mr. Panlilio wrote in a text message to

Mr. Panlilio is currently in New York when he was informed of the PBA’s decision to release the veteran players to play for Gilas in the FIBA Asia Cup.

Based on the memo signed a few months back between representatives of the PBA and the SBP, the veteran players are tasked to play in major tournaments like the FIBA Asia Cup and the home and away tournament leading to the 2019 World Cup.

The young players, primarily the Gilas Cadets, will be tasked to play in the William Jones Cup and SEA Games.

Mr. Panlilio, however, did not discount the fact that Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes could mix some of the young players with the veterans depending on his preference to compose the final lineup.

The players included in the 24-man pool are June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Jayson Castro, Terrence Romeo, Calvin Abueva, Matthew Wright, Roger Pogoy, Jio Jalalon, Gabe Norwood, Raymond Almazan, Mac Belo, Kevin Ferrer, Mike Tolomia, Allein Maliksi, Norbert Torres, Kevin Alas, Baser Amer, Carl Bryan Cruz, Troy Rosario, Andray Blatche, Kiefer Ravena, Bobby Ray Parks, Kobe Paras and Fil-German Christian Standhandinger.

Mr. Panlilio added that based on the Memorandum of Agreement, the PBA will release the rookies 30 days before the tournament and the veterans 15 days before the start of the event.

Mr. Reyes will have to name his final 12 on or before July 25. —