The Gilas Pilipinas men’s national basketball team will be entering the Inspire Sports Academy on March 15 for a month of training in a bubble setting to prepare for three major competitions that will happen between June and August of this year.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Sonny Barrios revealed this during his appearance on the show “Power & Play” hosted by former PBA commissioner, Noli Eala, last Saturday.
“Magba-bubble training ulit sila sa Inspire,” Barrios said as the Gilas prepares for the third and final window of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup, which is tentatively set on June 14-20 in Clark. The Olympic Qualifying Tournament will follow on June 29-July 4 in Serbia while the Asia Cup is on August 16-28 in Indonesia.
The players that participated in the bubble training earlier this year, are expected to report once again. This includes former two-time Cesafi MVP Rey Anthony Suerte and 2019 special Gilas draftees Isaac Go, Matt and Mike Nieto, and Allyn Bulanadi.
Cadet players Dwight Ramos, Juan and Javi Gomez de Liano, Dave Ildefonso, Justine Baltazar, and Kemark Carino are also set to join the training as well as William Navarro, Jaydee Tungcab, and Calvin Oftana.
Barrios said that the SBP is trying to make the most out of what has been a fluid situation, given the disruptions brought about by the health crisis.
“Sabi nga nila, we’re playing with the cards that are dealt to us. We have the young guys who are joining the PBA draft and also who are seeded in the pool. Coach Tab (Baldwin) and his crew are working with them,” Barrios shared.
It remains to be seen whether the PBA players would be joining the bubble training as the SBP and the pro league has yet to discuss this matter especially with the PBA teams preparing for the upcoming season that tips off on April 9.
Kiefer Ravena, CJ Perez, Roger Pogoy, Troy Rosario, Justin Chua, and Raul Soyud were the pro players who joined the bubble training last month.
“It’s too early to say kung paano ang participation ng PBA players. Hindi ganoon kadali mag-adjust ng schedule pero PBA has been very supportive,” Barrios said. “They know the value of OQT to us so they will work out an acceptable formula.” (JNP)