MANILA — With the fifth window of the Fédération Internationale de Basket-ball Amateur (FIBA) World Cup Asian Qualifiers just two months away, the Philippine national squad has to train harder and acquire better talent if it wants to recover from its dismal showing that saw the Pinoys lose several games despite efforts to put up a “super team” that could be at par with the world’s best.

No less than Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Renauld “Sonny” Barrios had orchestrated the acquisition of National Basketball Association (NBA) star Jordan Clarkson and 2022 National Basketball League (NBL) Fans Most Valuable Player (MVP) Kai Sotto to power Gilas Pilipinas in its campaign in the qualifying rounds of the FIBA World Cup.

However, this did not work fully as the nationals couldn’t cope with the pressure and was only able to win over the lightweights in the grouping which saw them slump to the lower ranks.

But there is hope.

The Philippine Basketball Association is now taking steps to help Gilas Pilipinas in its preparation for the fifth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers this coming November 10 and 13, 2022.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial disclosed that he is set to discuss matters with the league’s Board of Governors for the possibility of loaning its pro cagers for national duty whilst the fact that it would be a pretty tight timeline to lend players as the window will coincide with the PBA’s Commissioner’s Cup set to open this month on the 21st.

Marcial clarified that they will not take a two-week break to give way for Gilas’ preparation, contrary to what national coach Vincent ‘Chot’ Reyes previously announced.

“I clarified it to Chot. We will tackle it on the board because they do not know about it yet,” he revealed.

“They (board) still have to know the exact proposal. We might lend them some players but we will not stop the tournament,” he added to conclude.