Norman Black leads Gilas team with college players for SEA Games

Norman Black will temporarily lead the Gilas team for the Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok due to scheduling conflicts.

The games from December 9-20 clash with the PBA's ongoing season, making it difficult to field a full roster of top players.

Black is expected to assemble a squad primarily composed of collegiate players, overseas-based players not in league play, and naturalized players like Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Executive Director Erika Dy stated that Black will have the flexibility to choose his preferred roster composition.

The UAAP has shown willingness to release its players for national team duties if selected by Black.

Despite the absence of key players like Dwight Ramos, Kai Sotto, AJ Edu, and Scottie Thompson, the SBP aims to field a competitive squad to defend their 5-on-5 title.

Erika Dy emphasized that while this SEA Games roster is unique due to scheduling constraints, it does not signal a shift in the overall Gilas program strategy.