By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) had to suspend their ongoing bubble following NCR-plus’ Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) status after COVID-19 cases rose again.
Currently undergoing their intensive training camp inside Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna, the Gilas cadets and the rest of the coaching staff had to go home and follow the health and safety protocols by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) recommended the temporary pause of all National Sports Agencies and to also protect the health of the national athletes.
“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.
Before the decision was made, Gilas Pilipinas already spent 15 days inside the Laguna bubble from March 15 to March 30.
The PH national squad is currently gearing up for two international tournaments: the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers and the Belgrade Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Headed by Gilas program director coach Tab Baldwin, the roster consisting of 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 will have to leave Inspire and wait for the next call up by the SBP.
“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,” added Panlilio.
