The rescheduling of the FIBA Asia Cup for next year will give the Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball team more practice time and the chance to get sharp by playing in pocket tournaments.
Coach Tab Baldwin said this, now that the Asia Cup in Jakarta, Indonesia has been set for July 2022.
Rising COVID-19 cases in Indonesia have forced organizers to reset competitions for next year.
“We need more practice than we need more games. And we need more games to keep the players motivated,” said Baldwin.
Gilas, currently ranked 31st in the world, is currently developing a young crop of players in its roster.
Its roster includes RJ Abarrientos, Justine Baltazar, SJ Belangel, Geo Chiu, Isaac Go, Jordan Heading, Ange Kouame, William Navarro, Mike Nieto, Carl Tamayo, and Dwight Ramos.
Next year will be a busy one as Team Philippines is preparing for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Baldwin said they will be preparing to join qualification windows for the next FIBA Asia qualifiers after the Indonesia cagefest is done, along with their participation in the SEA Games.
Pocket events before they see action in 2023 FIBA World Cup will also keep the team occupied.
Gilas recently came from Jordan and finished its King Abdullah Cup campaign with three straight losses.
Despite the losses, Baldwin said the exposure by the young members of the team somehow added to the need to get more experience of playing in international meets.
“They’re excited in about everything we do. When it came to competition, they’re excited at every opportunity they get to play,” said Baldwin.