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Exclusive: Gilbert Malabanan shares his commitment to basketball
Commitment is the biggest challenge!
That’s what former PBA player and current Lyceum Pirates head coach Gilbert Malabanan emphasized in an exclusive interview with Scoreline.ph. Malabanan is set to join the Masters Pinoy Pilipinas Basketball team, competing in the World Masters 45+ category from May 17-30, 2025 in Taiwan.
Malabanan shared that commitment is the biggest challenge he and his teammates face as they juggle work, basketball, and other responsibilities. However, as a professional, he has learned to manage his time effectively, driven by his dedication to the game—especially when representing the country.
“First of all, the most challenging part is commitment. Of course, all of us have jobs. But when it comes to commitment, how do you manage it? Especially with our practices,” Coach Gilbert said.
“We want to be complete during training because this is our preparation for the Masters tournament in May,” he added.
“First of all, the most challenging part is commitment. Of course, all of us have jobs. But when it comes to commitment, how do you manage it? Especially with our practices,” Coach Gilbert said.
Beyond coaching Lyceum in the NCAA and playing in 40+ basketball tournaments, Malabanan also serves as a consultant for the Junior Pirates. Balancing work and basketball is tough, but for someone as dedicated as Malabanan, commitment, discipline, and conditioning are essential to staying in peak form.
“We practice once or twice a week, and at our age, recovery takes longer. It’s not like when you’re young—where you can play today and be ready again tomorrow. This is a different level. We’re 45 and up,” shared the former Ginebra and San Miguel player.
As a mentor, Coach Gilbert also offered advice on maintaining physical health beyond the age of 45.
“We need proper rest, especially as we age. If you want to play longer, your body needs to stay healthy. How? Sleep early, eat nutritious food, and take essential vitamins. These are very important,” he emphasized.
In closing, Coach Gilbert called on Filipinos to support the Masters Pinoy Pilipinas Basketball team in their upcoming tournament.
“To all our countrymen in the Philippines, especially in San Pedro, I invite you to support the Philippine Masters tournament happening on May 17-30. We can’t do this without your support. We are playing for the Philippines, for our country, and we need you behind us.”
