SBP calls for unity as Gilas Pilipinas continues campaign ahead of World Cup

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) called for unity as Gilas Pilipinas will head back on the road ahead of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, which the country will host alongside Japan and Indonesia.

SBP president Al Panlilio in a statement asked the community to come support the nationals in their bid to form a competitive squad come the global conclave in August 2023.

Panlilio added that Gilas' recent performance in the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup "was a disappointment as the ninth place finish was the Philippines’ worst in 13 years."

The basketball chief added that "training time and player availability" are the major issues they will need to address with three FIBA World Cup Asia qualifying windows scheduled in August, November, February.

Aside from those windows, also lined up for the national team is the SEA Games in Cambodia on May 5 to 16.

Gilas head coach Chot Reyes, meanwhile offered no excuses but stressed the results could have been different if Dwight Ramos and Ange Kouame joined the national team in the Asia Cup.

The Philippines placed third in Group D and was forced to play in the playoff for quarterfinals, where they lost to Japan, 102-81, to formally bow out of contention.

SBP will also conduct a general meeting of stakeholders on August 1 to tackle the next moves of the national team.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News