AS we all know, Gilas Pilipinas is in a period of transition when it comes to its jerseys after ending a long partnership with apparel giant Nike.

According to insiders, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) made the difficult decision to look for a new partner to supply uniforms to all the national teams from youth to the men's level after failing to come to terms with Nike on a contract renewal.

The negotiations, the source added, went back and forth for months until the SBP sought permission to seek bids from other interested parties. One such offer which SBP officials found 'very nice' was not matched by Nike, leading to the break-up.

Pending an official announcement, the SBP has reached a deal with a 'global brand' that goes beyond the kits that players wear. The deal includes provisions for the marketing and sale of Gilas merchandise and the promotion of what is easily considered as the most popular brand in Philippine sports.

However, the new partner didn't have enough time, and in fact didn't want to rush into making new jerseys for Gilas to wear for games against New Zealand and Chinese Taipei in the final window of the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers.

So what did it do?

It commissioned an established Philippine athletic wear company to make jerseys for Gilas to wear in the upcoming window - kits that what were described as 'stop-gap' solutions to Gilas' kit dilemma after the break-up with Nike.

But lo and behold, the 'temporary' jerseys got good reviews from some fans who were attracted by the uniforms' simple yet stylish finish. The hues used were also 'very close' to the national colors which the SBP prefers, a source bared.

So which company? The SBP is not saying.

Meanwhile, the new Gilas kits to be made by the new apparel partner are set to be revealed in the weeks leading up to the national team's campaign in the Fiba Asia Cup in Saudi Arabia this August.

The new uniforms will take months to make, with the whole concept to take into consideration inputs both from basketball officials and fans.

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