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Gilas Pilipinas Program Director Tab Baldwin is taking a wait-and-see approach to the bubble that FIBA has ordered for the next two windows of the 2021 FIBA Asian Cup qualifiers.
“It is too early to make any definitive statements on what it will be. But overall, I am pleased that we are back to playing basketball soon,” Baldwin told reporters Monday night.
FIBA announced on September 18 that qualifiers will take place in November and February and should take place in ‘bubbles’ rather than home and away matches. Each bubble will consist of four or eight squads, while the hosts will be announced at a later date.
Gilas is 1-0 in Group A, joined by South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia. The Philippines will face rival South Korea on November 27 and Thailand three days later. Gilas will face Indonesia on February 18, 2021, before closing the third window against South Korea on February 21.
“The fact that FIBA wants to do it this November is a bit of a surprise. Let’s see it as a nice surprise that we get back to playing basketball and hopefully we can be part of the picture to return the world to some normalcy, giving the fans the opportunity to get back to cheering on the national team. To cheering the sport again, “said Baldwin.
Despite the long hiatus from sports, he ensures that Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is ready to make moves for the national team.
“We never stop talking, but until you have final schedules and definite schedules from your own government and FIBA, all you can do is talk,” Baldwin said. “There is literally nothing to announce, but you know, we are so prepared with so many scenarios we have discussed as you can imagine.
Although qualifying games are months away, Baldwin says Gilas still doesn’t have a coach. Mark Dickel served as interim coach in the first window earlier this year.
A Gilas cadet team is not an option as there aren’t enough players to make a full roster. A process to naturalize a player is still pending, so it may be a totally local lineup.
“The deadlines are not really that positive, but we are hopeful. This whole process has been derailed by the pandemic and we have not been able to move with our deadlines in the way we would have expected at the beginning of the year.” “Baldwin said.
