Mark Dickel appointed as Gilas Pilipinas interim coach

TNT Katropa consultant Mark Dickel has been named as the interim coach of Gilas Pilipinas for the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.

"In his short stint in the Philippines, Coach Mark has performed creditably well," said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) chairman emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan in a press release.

Earlier, Dickel's name was listed on the FIBA website as the coaching staff of Gilas, along with Sandy Arespacochaga and Nenad Trunic.

The Australian-Kiwi coach will lead the 24-man pool composed of a mix of veterans and young stars, including the five rookies selected in the Gilas special draft.

The Philippines is in Group A with Indonesia, Thailand, and Korea. Gilas will host Thailand on February 20 and visit Indonesia on February 23.

The SBP is still searching for a full-time head coach for the national team. They hope to announce an appointment by the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers in November.

Dickel steered TNT to three playoff appearances in the PBA last season, including a finals stint in the Commissioner's Cup. —MGP, GMA News