Salud: PBA can continue to lend players to national team

The Philippine Basketball Association will be ready to continue providing help for the Pilipinas-Smart Gilas’ future international basketball tournaments. PBA commissioner Atty. Chito Salud gave assurance of the league’s continuing involvement in helping the young national squad despite the disappointing turn in the Asiad. “I believe the loaning of three players to reinforce the Smart Gilas squad in future basketball tournaments is indeed the perfect set-up," Salud told GMANews.TV. “The inclusion of three players won’t disrupt the team’s chemistry, and it doesn’t weaken the confidence of the players who are already part of Smart Gilas’ long-term basketball program," added Salud. Salud's comments came in the aftermath of Pilipinas-Smart Gilas’ 66-74 quarterfinals setback against South Korea. For the newly-installed PBA chief, who was appointed as the league’s eighth commissioner prior to the start of the pro league’s 36th season, the Philippines’ performance in the Guangzhou Asian Games isn’t such a big disappointment. “If you’ll ask me, I’m not disappointed," said Salud. “Instead, this is an eye-opener. If we quit now, it will mean we will kill the program. This is a young program as it was established only two years ago. If you will give the program another three years, then expect remarkable improvement." According to Salud, the Smart Gilas team is on the right track. “They’ve already tapped a naturalized player who will play for them in future international tournaments, and the PBA can loan three players," said Salud. “So definitely, they’re on the right track. Let’s be more patient and let us all do our part — the PBA, the SBP, and people who love basketball. - KY, GMANews.TV