THE PBA is ready to answer the call of Gilas Pilipinas as it shifts focus to the fast-approaching Asian Games in China.

Asia’s first play-for-pay league is seen to carry the heavy load in providing players for the Asiad with Fil-Am Jordan Clarkson out of the picture and overseas-based stalwarts from the FIBA World Cup crew highly doubtful.

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio are expected to sit down anytime this week to discuss the Gilas campaign in the Sept. 23 to Oct. 8 Continental joust slated in Hangzhou.

The PBA starts its next season on Oct. 15, a full week after the Games’ closing.

This makes room for another tour for the likes of World Cup (WC) vets June Mar Fajardo, Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, Jamie Malonzo, RR Pogoy and CJ Perez, pool members Chris Newsome and Calvin Oftana or  other PBA players not involved in the WC.

Justin Brownlee is assigned to reinforce the Nationals with Utah Jazz guard Mr. Clarkson returning to the NBA.

Dwight Ramos of Hokkaido, Kiefer Ravena of Shiga, Kai Sotto of Hiroshima, AJ Edu of Toyama in Japan, Rhenz Abando of Angyang in Korea and WC trainees Thirdy Ravena of San-En and Ray Parks of Nagoya are unsure of playing in the Asiad.

Even the Gilas coaching position is up in the air as coach Chot Reyes had already announced he was “stepping aside” after the Nationals capped the WC stint with a 96-75 drubbing of China.

This result gave sports leaders renewed optimism on the hoops team heading to the AG.

“That was one big victory over China,” said Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham Tolentino. “The win was confidence-building and that brought back the belief that yes, Filipino athletes can.”

The Philippine quintet will go up against Bahrain (Sept. 26), Thailand (Sept. 28) and fellow WC team Jordan (Sept. 29) in Group C of the Asiad. — Olmin Leyba

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