THE men’s national basketball pool broke camp at the Inspire Sports Institute in Calamba to comply with protocols following the reimposition of the enhanced community quarantine in the Greater Manila Area.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Al Panlilio announced the suspension of training of the Gilas Pilipinas cadet pool on Monday and ordered everyone inside the bubble facility to go home.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez also declared the temporary suspension of all indoor and outdoor training activities of all the national team members within the Metro Manila, Laguna, Bulacan, Cavite and Rizal province.
“As always, we will remain supportive of the decisions coming from the PSC and will also strictly follow the relevant precautionary measures from the Department of Health and the IATF [Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases],” SBP President Al Panlilio said in a statement sent to BusinessMirror.
SBP program director Tab Baldwin has been facilitating the training of the men’s pool since March 15 to prepare for final window of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia Cup qualifiers set from June 14 to 20 in Clark, Pampanga, and the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade, Serbia, from June 29 to July 4.
The weeklong ECQ will end on April 4.
“The timing is unfortunate because our Gilas Pilipinas pool has been putting a lot of work to prepare for Fiba competitions in the coming months,” Panlilio said. “It’s been a difficult stretch for the SBP and the team as Covid-19 has affected so many of our plans but we have no other choice but to adjust and move forward.”
Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) rookie online draft in the bubble were Terrafirma’s The Gilas cadet pool composed of Justine Baltazar, Dwight Ramos, Chris Koon, naturalized candidate Ange Kouame, Lebron Lopez, RJ Abarrientos, Carl Tamayo, Kyle Ong, Gian Mamuyac, SJ Belangel, Josh Lazaro, Troy Mallillin, Geo Chiu, Jason Credo, Matt and Mike Nieto, Isaac Go and Rey Suerte.
Joining them recently were fresh draft picks Jordan Heading, William Navarro, Tzaddy Rangel and Jaydee Tungcab.
With Baldwin in the coaching staff are Jong Uichico, Caloy Garcia, Alton Lister, Boyet Fernandez, Sandy Arespacochaga, Gabby Severino and Dex Aseron.
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