THE Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball team must be well-balanced and at full strength when it plunges into action in the 12th Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) tournament next month.
Assistant coach Jong Uichico said this after visiting many tournaments around the region and scouted many participating squads.
The presence of naturalized players playing for Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia is something to consider.
“We must send a full-strength squad. If not, it means, we take the other teams for granted. They say its an overkill. But, we’re there to win,” said Uichico.
Uichico spoke his mind during the contract signing between Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas officials with executive of Holiday Inn Manila, which will be the official partner hotel of SEABA meet.
The SEABA meet is set to be held from May 12 to 18 at the Araneta Coliseum.
Uichico has seen many of the teams during their games in the ASEAN Basketball League, and has discussed his findings with head coach Chot Reyes.
“Either its overkill for us, or delikado tayo,” said Reyes after the signing ceremonies between SBP president Al Panlilio and Holiday Inn execs led by Janice Tiambeng and Gaurav Rai.
Reyes said they have not chosen the final 12 members of Gilas, which currently having continuous and daily practices.
A final decision will be known on April 29, which the deadline set by FIBA to send a final roster,
The day before, a PBA All-Star game will be the time that they will make their final cut.
When action starts on May 12, Gilas is set to meet Myanmar at 7 p.m.
Earlier, Indonesia battles Singapore at 3 p.m. while Malaysia clashes with Thailand at 5 p.m.
A total of 7 teams are in the men’s division. This also includes Vietnam.
The SEABA Under 16 is also taking place from May 14 to 18, with Batang Gilas set to go against Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.
Panlilio said Gilas needs to win SEABA is they are to go to Lebanon for the FIBA Asia tournament in August.
“This is just the start of the journey of the Gilas Pilipinas team,” said Panlilio. Peter Atencio
