Gilas Pilipinas now has more time to gear up for the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers, with the third and final window being pushed back to June.

According to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Sonny Barrios, the third window – which the country will host – has a tentative schedule of June 14 to 20.

But the Asia Cup qualifiers is not the only tournament the national team will prepare for.

Gilas Pilipinas is slated to play in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) for the Tokyo Games from June 29 to July 4 as a replacement for New Zealand, which pulled out due to coronavirus-related concerns.

If the national team winds up successful in both qualifying tournaments, it will then play in the Tokyo Olympics, which kicks off in July, and the Asia Cup, which is scheduled in August.

The postponement of the Asia Cup qualifiers also gives Gilas Pilipinas a higher chance of finally having Angelo Kouame as its naturalized player the next time it competes.

But having more time for its training camp will not cut it for the team, particularly in the OQT, where the Philippines is grouped with basketball powerhouses Serbia and Dominican Republic.

“They are looking at the possibility of going abroad,” Barrios told the Power & Play with Noli Eala show of Radyo Singko.

“What we sometimes lack when preparing for big international tournaments is the competition,” he added in a mix of Filipino and English. “It cannot just be scrimmage after scrimmage.”

Gilas Pilipinas can also test its mettle locally if plans to play as guest team in the PBA push through.

“I and (PBA commissioner) Willie (Marcial) talked about Gilas Pilipinas being able to play in the PBA whether it is going to be in the conference or whether we will come up with a pocket tournament,” Barrios said.

Barrios said the national team will soon assemble again in a training bubble at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna. – Rappler.com