GILAS Pilipinas national basketball assistant coach Jong Uichico said the level of play in Southeast Asia has improved.
Uichico made the observation after visiting many tournaments around the region and scouting participating squads.
“The team always has to improve its level of play. That’s because the others are improving,” said Uichico
Uichico talked about his observations after discussions with Gilas Pilipinas national men’s coach Chot Reyes.
He believes that many teams are improving their game following their exposure to regional tournaments like the ASEAN Basketball League.
Among the teams that Gilas has to watch out for are Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Because of the this, Uichico feels that Gilas must be well-balanced and at full strength when it plunges into action in the 12th Southeast Asian Basketball Association tournament next month.
“We must send a full-strength squad. If not, it means, we take the other teams for granted. They say it’s an overkill, but we’re there to win,” said Uichico.
Reyes said they have not chosen the final 12 members of Gilas with the pool undergoing daily practice sessions.
A final decision will be known on April 29, which is 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.
Action starts on May 12 with Gilas 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 seven 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.