Dejected SBP wants unity
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) expressed its disappointment over Gilas Pilipinas’ disastrous performance in the FIBA Asia Cup in Jakarta recently.
SBP president Al Panlilio issued a statement, saying that they have to sit down and seriously address some pressing concerns as they head into the second round of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers next month.
Panlilio, who succeeded industrialist Manny Pangilinan as federation president, said they will conduct a general meeting on 1 August “to lay out the timetable in the run-up to the World Cup.”
“As FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis mentioned, it has been nearly 25 years since Greece hosted a world basketball event. We really have to give it full support from our basketball stakeholders,” Panlilio said.
SBP vice president Ricky Vargas said it is about time for the federation to assemble the strongest team in the world’s biggest basketball stage outside the Olympics.
“The World Cup will never happen again in Manila in our lifetime. It took 45 years to bring the World Cup back to Manila, we should fight and go all out,” Vargas, also the chairman of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), said.
“We need the best to play and be allowed to play. We call on all stakeholders to unite for the flag and country.”
Panlilio, who is also the governor of Meralco in the PBA, said the run-up will include Gilas’ complete list of events before the country’s hosting of the World Cup in August next year.
The World Cup will never happen again in Manila in our lifetime.
After the August window of the qualifiers, the team will also see action in the November and February windows, as well as the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Cambodia May next year.
With a rigorous preparation ahead, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) will help SBP in securing clearances for Filipino cagers playing abroad.
Among the current foreign-based cagers are Japanese B.League foreign quota players Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Dwight Ramos and Ray Parks.
Korean Basketball League-bound players and Gilas cadets SJ Belangel, RJ Abarrientos and Will Navarro are also included in the fold.
The SBP is also eyeing to secure the services of big man Kai Sotto, who is yet to make a next step on his career after going undrafted in the recent National Basketball Association Annual Rookie Draft, as well as Utah Jazz swingman Jordan Clarkson.
“FIBA will assist in securing clearance for Gilas players from foreign leagues. SBP will reach out to Kai Sotto for the three windows, SEA Games and the World Cup,” the federation said, asking all stakeholders to join the federation in its quest for a strong finish in the World Cup.
“We really have to give it full support from all basketball stakeholders.”
“The time for leagues to sacrifice and adjust schedules with Gilas in mind is now as the World Cup is only a year away.”