THE PBA Philippine Cup will kick off on Feb. 28 — and not March 3, as originally scheduled — to give way to the country’s participation in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT).

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said the move is part of the league’s commitment to support the Gilas Pilipinas and give the national team under head coach Tim Cone more time to prepare for its bid in the FIBA qualifier to the Paris Olympics to be held in Riga, Latvia from July 2-7.

“Dapat sa March 3 ang opening natin (Philippine Cup), pero nag-adjust kami at ginawa na itong Feb. 28. para sa Gilas. Tatamaan kasi yun (OQT), ” said Marcial.

“Kaya tinatanong na nga din namin kung ano yung mga windows, para ia-adjust na namin yung schedule,” explained Marcial.

He said the PBA is in constant communication with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) regarding the schedule of international tournaments where Gilas is set to compete this year.

Marcial also admitted the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals between top seed Magnolia and San Miguel also had to be played right away as “Gilas is set to see action in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers on Feb 22 in Hong Kong and Feb. 25 against Chinese Taipei in Manila.”

The semifinals between the Hotshots and Phoenix Fuel Masters was concluded only last Wednesday, but Game 1 of the title series is to be played on Friday right away.

“Etong finals nga dapat may gap ito ng isang araw. Dapat sana Linggo pa,” said Marcial. “Pero ito ay dahil sa Gilas, para mapakawalan na natin sa national team yung mga players na kailangan.”

Among these players are seven-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez of San Miguel.

The two were included by Cone as part of his Gilas 12 for the Asia Cup.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Robert Andaya