FOR several coaches, the Philippine Basketball Association's (PBA) decision to declare as no-bearing the remaining games of Smart Gilas in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup could work in favor of the guest squad.

Sta. Lucia Realty head coach Boyet Fernandez told the BusinessMirror that with the games already nonbearing to the regular PBA squads, Smart Gilas will be able to learn more from the experience playing with the local pros.

Smart Gilas’s first three assignments—all losses—were against Burger King, Talk ’N Text and Ginebra.

“I think it is the right thing to do,” said Fernandez, whose Realtors are scheduled to meet Smart Gilas on November 13 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

“No offense meant to Smart Gilas, they are a strong team and they will give any team a run for their money. But if they want to learn, this will be the right time to do that. I’m sure the remaining games of Gilas will be as intense as before,” he added.

Former national team coaches Tim Cone and Jong Uichico both agreed that Smart Gilas’s stint in the ongoing All-Filipino tournament—if ever the PBA stayed with its original scheme—would not be beneficial for the program of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).

“We did it before in 1998 with the Centennial Team and we played against teams with two imports and we had bad experiences then,” said Cone, referring to the squad that claimed the bronze medal in the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games.

“Now, its nonbearing, it will be less pressure for the coaches. Now, we can focus on making the team better,” he added.

Uichico actually had mixed feelings when Barrios made the decision as his Barangay Ginebra squad has beaten Gilas, 100-72, in its third game in the tournament.

“As I’ve said before, we can help this team develop without the must-win attitude,” said Uichico. “Sana sa simula pa lang, nag-decide na sila.”

Smart Gilas’s plays on Friday Coca-Cola at 2:30 p.m. at the Astrodome in Pasay City.