PBA board tackles release of Gilas players

The PBA board of governors convenes in a special meeting today to decide on the procedure of releasing players to Gilas Pilipinas in preparation and actual participation in the SEABA Championship on May 12-18.

The main issue is the period of time the league will lend players to the national team since the SEABA joust runs in conflict with the current PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

The PBA board didn’t anticipate the SEABA tourney in crafting a memorandum of agreement with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas regarding support to the national squad.

Under the MOA, members of the original Gilas pool are to be released to Gilas two months before the competition. The additional PBA players, including June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Jayson Castro, Calvin Abueva, Terrence Romeo and eight others, join the training a month to the tourney.

It’s now within the two-month period but coach Chot Reyes has gathered the pool only in a recent three-day camp in Splendido Taal and last Monday at the Meralco Gym to start a regular Monday practice session.

PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa has said the MOA is a work in progress, with specific details still being firmed up.

Narvasa was present on the sidelines in Gilas’ first Monday workout.

Reyes is hoping he can have the pool together for at least a month, if a month and a half isn’t feasible.

Most probably, the PBA will cancel games during the SEABA week.

Gilas Pilipinas must top the SEABA tourney to qualify to the FIBA Asia Cup in Beirut, Lebanon in August.

Fajardo, Aguilar, Abueva, Castro and Romeo appear to be among those cinch to make the team.