JAKARTA -- It looks like Yeng Guiao's stint as national team head coach will be extended.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio revealed on Monday that Guiao, who is currently handling the team competing in the 2018 Asian Games, will also be the head tactician for Gilas Pilipinas in the upcoming window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers in September.
"The SBP has decided to appoint Coach Yeng for the next window," said Panlilio during the team's practice session on Monday. "We advised him last night and he accepted it."
"He didn't say yes right away but he considered his experience here coaching the Asian Games. That was a big factor in him accepting it," added Panlilio. "He's worried about his NLEX team but country comes first and he's ready to take it on."
On September 14, the Philippines is slated to face Iran in Tehran before welcoming the challenge of Qatar at in Manila -- behind closed doors -- on September 17.
The need for Guiao's help was brought about by the one-game suspension on Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes for the infamous game against Australia.
The team will also be without assistant coach Jong Uichico who was meted a three-game ban.
Panlilio added that the Philippine Basketball Association Board of Governors have been informed of the news.
"I just advised them a few minutes ago. They're all very supportive. The next thing we need to do with Coach Yeng is determine the lineup," he said.
Guiao might have to rely on some of his Asian Games players to join him for the fourth window as a lot of the Gilas mainstays will be serving out their suspensions.
Calvin Abueva was given a six-game ban effectively knocking him out for the rest of the Asian Qualifiers.
RR Pogoy, Carl Bryan Cruz, and Jio Jalalon each got five-game suspensions. Andray Blatche, Jayson Castro, Terrence Romeo, and Troy Rosario were suspended three games. Japeth Aguilar and Matthew Wright each received a one-game suspension.
Only Gabe Norwood, June Mar Fajardo, and Baser Amer were not suspended.
Information from ESPN5's Sid Ventura was used in this report.