Gilas to banner Phl bid in Asiad

MANILA, Philippines - Gilas Pilipinas will represent the country in next year’s Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, two or three weeks after its rare stint in the FIBA World Championship in Spain.

The PBA has approved participation of its players to the national team in the Asiad but not revising yet again its calendar to open a longer period of time Gilas can use to prepare for the world meet.

“Our fans are looking forward for the team to do well in Asia. But you can’t fool the fans. The fans now are exposed to global basketball.  They (the fans) know the strengths of our opponents out there,” said Salud, adding that Gilas can’t contend for a medal in the world meet.

“What they (the fans) want is to see the pillars and leaders of basketball getting together, going out there and collectively taking action, giving this country its best shot at being supreme again in Asia. I hope we realize the PBA is one with the SBP (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas) in that mission,” Salud also said.

With no choice, Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes said they would do the best they could get from a two- or three-week preparation for the world meet.

“We know this situation from last year that if we make Spain, there would be difficulties (in the schedule of training),” said Reyes.

“But it is still incumbent upon us to prepare the best possible kahit suntok sa buwan,” Reyes added.

He said they’re in a complicated position playing in the FIBA World set Aug. 30 to Sept. 14 while also looking at the Incheon Asiad slated Sept. 19 to Oct. 4.

“It’s a very detailed, difficult, complicated preparation. So we have to sit down (with the PBA),” said Reyes.

Gilas Pilipinas will be the first Philippine representation in the world meet in 36 years. The same team later will be the first PBA selection playing in the Asiad since the 2002 Busan joust.

The PBA has carried the Phl banner in five Asian Games, winning the silver in Beijing in 1990, placing fourth in Hiroshima in 1994, improving to third in 1998 before that painful Busan experience by coach Jong Uichico and his team.

In Guanzhou in 2010, the PBA had token participation with Gilas Pilipinas I, agreeing to lend Asi Taulava, Sol Mercado, Ranidel de Ocampo, Kelly Williams and Jimmy Alapag in the 11th hour.