Possible Gilas Pilipinas players for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games Kean Baclaan, Mason Amos, and Mike Phillips (L-R) of De La Salle University. Photo from FilOil EcoOil Sports.MANILA — Gilas Pilipinas as well as other national teams are expected to turn to the collegiate and amateur ranks to build their respective rosters for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand later this year.
READ: Will Norman Black's SEA Games squad open up possibility of Team B for Gilas?
With the SEA Games coinciding with the PBA, the Japan B.League, and the Korean Basketball League, national squads — including the men’s and women’s basketball teams — are likely to field a roster composed mainly of UAAP and NCAA players.
However, for UAAP executive director Atty. Rebo Saguisag, while their league is in full support of the country’s national teams, the decision to loan players will not come from them.
At least for now, that decision will be made by the players’ respective schools, especially with the UAAP men’s and women’s basketball tournaments likely to coincide with the continental meet.
“I don't think it's really [PBA] Commissioner Willie Marcial’s concern, any question about the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas,” said Saguisag during a pre-UAAP Season 88 press conference on Wednesday at the University of Santo Tomas.
“Kasi yung SBP, it's only one sport also, basketball, and I think yung SBP, before pa ito ha, they also understand that they also have to support the UAAP, and our local leagues. Kapag pinatay mo naman din yan, mawawalan din sila ng pool from where to draw from.”
“So no commitment yet, pinag-aaralan pa. Magiging discretion lang ng teams kung magpapahiram sila if ever, for now,” he continued.
UAAP standouts Mason Amos and Kean Baclaan of De La Salle University are among the reported names that are expected to join the Gilas squad of Norman Black.
But while Saguisag said that their availability will be reliant on DLSU’s decision, what may be of huge help is the UAAP’s relationship with the SBP and its executive director Erika Dy.
“Ang maganda dito, Erika Dy is a very good friend and we have constant communication,” he said of Dy, a former Ateneo standout who also used to coach the university's women's basketball team.
“They understand our position. Erika Dy also came from the UAAP and understands the grassroots program so we thank her for her support,” he added.
The SEA Games are to be held from December 9 to 20, which is also expected to be within the last weeks of the competition of the UAAP men’s and women’s basketball tournaments.