The Philippine Basketball Association is rallying behind Gilas Pilipinas by adjusting its schedule to give way for the crucial tournaments ahead.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said the opening of their Philippine Cup had been moved from 28 February to 3 March to give Gilas more time to prepare for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament set in Latvia in July.

"We adjusted it for Gilas," said Marcial, who served as assistant team manager when Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone was given the marching order to call the shots for Gilas in the 19th Asian Games last year in Hangzhou, China.

Now, the 66-year-old Cone had been appointed as full-time head coach of Gilas with a goal of leading them to the Paris Olympics in August.

The American mentor already identified the composition of Gilas with half coming from the PBA while the other half from the Japan B. League and the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

"Like this finals (series), it was supposed to start on Sunday. But we scheduled it early so we can release the players and allow them to train."

Marcial added that when the collaboration with the PBA and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas was sealed early this year, their first order of business was to check the FIBA calendar.

"That's why we're always asking about the FIBA windows so that it won't clash with the national team," he said.  

"Whatever the national team needs, the PBA will provide."