The Philippine Basketball Association is looking to stay busy while Gilas Pilipinas is preparing and competing in the FIBA Basketball World Cup in August.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said they are exploring the possibility of holding a pocket tournament and preseason matches in various provinces while Gilas are in the thick of its preparation for the World Cup set from 25 August to 10 September.

Marcial explained that the ongoing Governors’ Cup will wrap up around the end of April followed by the national squad’s campaign in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia from 5 to 17 May.

Then, members of the Gilas Pilipinas pool — most of them playing in the PBA — will stay together in preparation for the World Cup.

With the stars busy in their national campaign, Marcial said they have to find a way to stay active during the long lull.

“The SBP (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas) has plans for a pocket tournament so we have to give way,” Marcial told Daily Tribune in a telephone conversation on Sunday.

“But we’ll have our own tournament that involves all teams.”

Marcial said except for those who will be loaned to the Gilas program, all players, including free agents, from the 12 competing teams will be tasked to see action in the pocket tourney and preseason matches.

“If teams want to include the free agents and those who are undergoing tryouts, they are free to do that,” Marcial said.

“We’re going to find ways to be active while we’re on break.”