SBP, and coach Black set roadmap for Gilas Men’s SEA Games bid

SBP Executive Director Erika Dy and new Gilas Men head coach Norman Black outlined preparations for the Southeast Asian Games at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum. 

New Gilas coach Norman Black is not leaving any stone unturned in forming the best team possible as the country seeks to retain the throne in men’s basketball in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand in December.

Black, who coached the Philippine team led by collegiate stars Greg Slaughter, Kiefer Ravena, Chris Tiu and Ray Parks to the gold in the 2011 SEA Games in Jakarta, has encountered difficulty forming the squad due to conflict of schedule for PBA players, collegiate players and those playing as imports in Japan and Korea.

“Our preparations are going to be short, that's why we need to get guys who can play together very quickly and who can play together very well,” said Black. 

Meanwhile, Erika Dy the SBP executive director also detailed the federation’s plan to build a competitive roster, while Black expressed eagerness to lead the squad, bringing decades of experience to the role. 

Once the initial pool of players is formed, coach Norman Black will call for practices on Mondays and prior to departure for Thailand, the team will do eight to nine straight days of practice.

“But the goal will definitely be to win the gold. There’s a lot of work to be done,” coach Black added.

Dy also assured everybody that once the team is formed, “we will be ready.”

Dy spoke mainly of the SBP programs for the remainder of the year, and it includes further promoting the sport in public schools in collaboration with the Department of Education through Secretary Sonny Angara and the Philippine Sports Commission through chairman Patrick Gregorio.

“Hopefully, we will be signing a memorandum of agreement soon,” said Dy.

With the Philippines determined to reclaim SEA Games basketball gold, both Dy and Black are confident that strong preparation and roster depth will be crucial to success.

“It’s a lot different now. Things have changed at how teams are recruiting players now. Things are different in the sense that everybody has improved in Southeast Asia,” coach Norman Black concluded.