Gilas Pilipinas will not be fielding any pros when it competes in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament and FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers in June, according to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP)
![Ramon Fernandez [PSC photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/ramon-fernandez2-400x200.jpg)
“It will be very difficult for us to get the slot in Belgrade. I will be the first to delight if we make it and I continue to hope for a triumphant campaign,” – Ramon Fernandez
Following the Philippines’ inclusion to the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade, Serbia, San Miguel’s Chris Ross offered a suggestion for its preparation.
![Michael Joseph Nieto of the Philippines [photo: FIBA.com]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/image-2-400x200.jpg)
Gilas Pilipinas was chosen based on its FIBA ranking as the next best Asia-Oceania nation after New Zealand.
![Kai Sotto [FIBA.com photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/kai-sotto-400x200.jpg)
Philippine NBA prospect Kai Sotto is now officially out of NBA G-League Team Ignite, the sides mutually announced Tuesday
![Kai Sotto [FIBA.com photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/462-400x200.jpg)
Kai Sotto’s journey to the NBA took a huge hit in the past month after his decision to represent Gilas Pilipinas led to consequences regarding his G-League stint. Related Posts NBA: Jordan Clarkson advises Kai Sotto to keep working hard Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson has one of the more positive NBA late draftee successes in recent memory. Drafted 46th Read more NBA: Seth Curry drains dagger as Sixers beat…
This comes after a COVID-19 outbreak happened in Qatar, which was set to host a bubble before a last-minute change.
Kai Sotto has pulled out of Gilas Pilipinas, and is set to fly back to the United States in hopes of making it back on time.
![PH National Team that won the bronze in 1954 World Basketball in Rio de Janeiro. [Henry Liao photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/144429345_221818172990075_1891445414791191084_n-400x200.jpg)
According to the famous historian and National Artist awardee Nick Joaquin, basketball was introduced to Filipinos within the historic walls of Intramuros, Manila. Unclear, however, is the exact date of the first basketball game ever played on Philippine soil.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) cancelled the nation’s hosting the 3rd window for Groups A and C of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers this coming February, citing travel ban as the primary reason.