PBA affirms commitment to Gilas Men despite 'bubble' conflict

The PBA continues its support to the Gilas Men program. Rick Dela Cruz (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—The PBA assured the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas of its commitment to the Gilas Pilipinas Men program despite the possible schedule conflict that may arise due to the league and the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers' upcoming bubbles.

"Ang PBA team owners at ang PBA ay nananatiling committed na suportahan ang Gilas," said PBA commissioner Willie Marcial.

The PBA, which on Thursday got a provisional approval from the Inter-Agency Task Force, is set to push through with its season restart on Oct. 11 at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.

A person privy of the situation told Dugout Philippines on Friday, however, that the Games and Amusements Board and the Department of Health may step in and check out the PBA bubble.

The next window of the ACQ, on the other hand, is set on Nov. 27 and 30 at a soon to be announced location, just as the PBA playoffs are about to begin.

Marcial admitted that SBP president Al Panlilio has yet to inquire about the PBA's commitment for the November window, but he affirmed that PBA players will bolster Gilas Men's February window team.

"Ang binanggit sa amin ni SBP president Al Panlilio ay February, and we're committed to that," Marcial further said.

The PBA looks to devote the first two months of 2021 to the Gilas Men training, which means the 46th season may begin by March the soonest.

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