Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 22) — Three days after the disappointing ninth place finish of Gilas Pilipinas in the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has aired its sentiments on the sub par showing of the national team.
In a statement released Friday, SBP president Al Panlilio called the Philippines’ failure to reach the quarterfinals of the continental tilt “a disappointment” and cited the lack of training time and player availability as issues that must be addressed immediately.
Gilas is a facing a series of misfortunes on the international stage following a silver medal finish in the 31st Southeast Asian, the first time since 1989 that the Philippines did not take home the top prize in men’s basketball.
Meanwhile, Gilas’ recent trip in the Asia Cup was the first time since 2007 that the Philippines failed to make it to the top eight of that tournament.
The SBP chief urged the stakeholders of the national team to work together as they form a competitive squad for the country’s co-hosting of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
“We call on all stakeholders to unite for flag and country,” Panlilio said.
The SBP has a scheduled general meeting with its stakeholders on August 1 to lay out the timetable leading up to the World Cup.
Panlilio also said that FIBA will assist in securing clearance for Gilas players from overseas leagues while the PBA made adjustments in its schedule by only having two conferences next season and clear its calendar starting May 2023 for the World Cup.
Gilas will kick off its second round campaign in the World Cup Asian qualifiers against Lebanon on August 25 and Saudi Arabia on August 29.
According to SBP, Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson is expected to play for the fourth window while it is reaching out to Kai Sotto for his availability in the next couple of competitions.
