Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has confirmed that it has to break Gilas Pilipinas Men’s camp inside Inspire Sports Academy, Monday afternoon.
The Philippine Sports Commission has advised all National Sports Agencies to limit their respective team’s training to individual online sessions as NCR-plus has come under Enhanced Community Quarantine due to rising COVID-19 cases.
“As always, we will remain supportive of the decisions coming from the PSC and will also strictly follow the relevant precautionary measure from the Department of Health and the IATF,” said SBP President Al Panlilio.
Gilas program director Tab Baldwin set camp inside the Calambubble back on March 15. The national team is training for two big tournaments — the Clark window of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, and the Belgrade Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Players inside the bubble were Jordan Heading, William Navarro, Tzaddy Rangel, Jaydee Tungcab, Dave Ildefonso, Dwight Ramos, Justine Baltazar, Chris Koon, Angelo Kouame, Gian Mamuyac, Jason Credo, Troy Mallillin, Geo Chiu, RJ Abarrientos, Carl Tamayo, Kyle Ong, Lebron Lopez, Isaac Go, Matt and Mike Nieto, Rey Suerte, and Jolo Mendoza.
SJ Belangel and Joshua Lazaro had to leave the bubble last week due to personal reasons.
Joining Baldwin were Jong Uichico, Caloy Garcia, Alton Lister, Boyet Fernandez, Sandy Arespacochaga, Gabby Severino, Sandro Soriano, and Gabby Cui.
“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. 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,” continued Panlilio.
It remains unknown when Gilas can hold camp once more since it will all depend on the quarantine level that country imposes after April 4.
Still, the federation is grateful to the 26 players and the team’s staff for sacrificing time away from their families.
“Right now, we all have to hunker down and stay safe at home. We thank our players, coaches, and staff for soldiering on amidst the difficult situation.”
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