4 teams want to field cadets

FOUR teams which lent their prized rookies to the men’s national team pool are hoping to utilize the Gilas cadets in the coming Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) 46th season.

Rain or Shine, Blackwater, NLEX and Terrafirma all have players in the cadets program that is geared to shore up the country’s chances when it co-hosts the 2023 International Basketball Federation World Cup.

On loan to the Gilas program are 2019 top overall pick Isaac Go (Terrafirma), Rey Suerte (Blackwater), Matt Nieto (NLEX), Allyn Bulanadi (Alaska) and Mike Nieto (Rain or Shine).

The teams sent their appeal to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

Co-team owner Raymond Yu of Rain or Shine, meanwhile, said that he is hoping Ateneo guard Mike Nieto will be allowed by the SBP to play this season which is tentatively set in April.

“I think there’s a 50-50 chance he [Mike Nieto] will be allowed by the SBP to play in the PBA,” Yu told Businessmirror of the team’s fifth overall pick in the Gilas draft.

“He is an excellent glue guy, he has great leadership skills aside from his usual talent. So we’re hoping he can finally join us this coming season,” added Yu, who co-owns Rain or Shine with Terry Que.

Blackwater Head Coach Nash Racela also wanted Suerte, the No. 2 pick from University of the East.

“Rey Suerte is our Gilas draft in 2019. It will be a welcome development if the PBA allows him to suit up for us this season. He is capable of contributing the right away,” said Racela, whose Elite booked a dismal 2-9 win-loss record in the Philippine Cup.

Terrafirma Head Coach John Cardel said Go from the national pool is absolutely a long shot for now.

The PBA is expected to address the fate of the cadets when the league’s board meets on Thursday.