The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is on standby mode as it awaits the next move FIBA will make regarding the third and final window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers.

Several questions on Gilas Pilipinas’ next move have been raised as Qatar canceled its hosting of Groups A, B, and E for the third window in Doha due to the surge of coronavirus cases in the country.

Among the glaring concerns the national team faces is whether Kai Sotto will stay in the country or reunite with Team Ignite in the NBA G League.

The 7-foot-3 big man chose to reinforce the national team despite the third window coinciding with the schedule of Ignite in the G League.

Ignite already started its campaign in the G League bubble at the Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida with a win over the Santa Cruz Warriors.

All 18 G League teams will play 15 games each until the first week of March, with the top 8 teams advancing to the playoffs.

The SBP will also decide if the national team will continue its training at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna.

Gilas Pilipinas has been gearing up for the third window since January.

“A lot of moving parts. We are monitoring FIBA’s next move,” said SBP special assistant to the president Ryan Gregorio.

This is not the first time a country had to pull out of hosting the qualifiers.

Late in January, the Philippines called off its hosting of Group A and C in Clark, Pampanga due to travel restrictions in the country. – Rappler.com