PBA vows full backing for Gilas Pilipinas’ FIBA 2019 World Cup campaign
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial vowed nothing but the best support from the country’s premier professional basketball league when Gilas Pilipinas starts preparing for their 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup campaign later this year.
The league commissioner, along with members of the PBA Board of Governors, personally welcomed the Gilas contingent back in Manila last Monday night at the NAIA Terminal 3 after the team’s successful stint in the last window of the World Cup qualifiers.
Marcial shared he will be in constant communication with the national team for their upcoming plans, including training camps, international pocket tournament stints, and lending PBA players to the pool.
“Nag-usap naman kami ni Coach Yeng, so paguusapan namin kung papaano ‘yung scheduling, ‘yung sinasabi sa akin na Jones Cup, pagusapan muna lahat kung anong pwede at ibibigay namin sa kanila,” Marcial said.
Gilas is open to joining the annual Jones Cup tournament in Taiwan.
“Siyempre ganun pa rin, baka nga di na siya pumayag sa 14 days training eh so pag-uusapan namin,” Marcial added regarding the coordination with schedules and how the PBA is willing to adjust for Gilas anew.
The World Cup hosted by China will begin on August 31. The draw is set on March 16 to determine the Philippines’ initial groupmates.
By Levi Verora, Jr.
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