Back at the SEA Games sidelines for the first time since 2011, Norman Black isn’t just focused on assembling the strongest Gilas Pilipinas possible but also constructing a well-balanced roster.
For coach Norman Black, constructing a Gilas Pilipinas team for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) isn't only about having the strongest line-up possible.
“We’re trying to put everything together. We’re not only trying to form the strongest team we can, but also a balanced team that will be successful in the SEA Games,” Black said at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday, September 9.
Together with Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Erika Dy, the two discussed the progress of team building efforts of Gilas Pilipinas for the biennial sporting meet.
So far, eight players have committed to join the Philippine contingent for the SEA Games, led by naturalized players Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame. Also in the lineup are Japan B.League players Ray Parks Jr. and Matthew Wright alongside Jason Brickman, Remy Martin, Dave Ildefonso and Veejay Pre.
[ALSO READ: Justin Brownlee, Ray Parks, Jason Brickman commit to play for Gilas Pilipinas in SEA Games]
However, Black admitted that with the SEA Games falling in the middle of several professional and amateur domestic leagues, securing players’ commitment has been a challenge.
“Our biggest problem has been recruitment. A lot of the other stakeholders, as far as basketball is concerned, also have their leagues at the same time the SEA Games is taking place. It’s been very difficult and challenging to get some guys released by their teams,” the former Meralco Bolts coach said.
He added: “A lot of young players have committed to playut at the same time, they need permission from their mother teams to join us. We are in the process of trying to get that done right now.”
Black also expects Parks Jr. and Wright to join the team only “right before the tournament starts,” since the SEA Games coincides with the Japan B.League season.
Times Are Changing
The last time the 11-time PBA champion tactician coached a national team in the SEA Games was back in 2011, when he led former Ateneo players Greg Slaughter, Kiefer Ravena, Chris Tiu, and a young Parks Jr. to the title in Jakarta.
[ALSO READ: Norman Black to coach Gilas Pilipinas in 2025 SEA Games]
Despite the Philippines winning four straight golds afterward, Indonesia stunned the Nationals in Vietnam 2021 before the team reclaimed redemption two years later.
That result, along with other nations recruiting players just like the Philippines, is a sign that the Southeast Asian basketball game is well and truly evolving.
“It’s a lot different now. Things have changed in how teams are recruiting players. Things are different in the sense that everybody has improved in Southeast Asia,” he said.
Eyes Still on the Prize
Despite the challenges, Black remains optimistic about Gilas’ preparation and chances of maintaining its supremacy in the region.
“The goal will definitely be to win the gold,” Black reiterated as the country aim for its 20th gold in the sport and eighth in the last nine editions since 2011.
[ALSO READ: Gilas’ first-time gold medalists cherish SEA Games run, make case for call-ups]
With the tournament mere three months away, the two-time PBA Best Import feels the urgency to get things going in terms of team formation.
“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,” he bared.