The preparations for the 2023 FIBA World Cup is set to begin early.
The 23 for 2023 Gilas Pilipinas cadets are set to compete against the top collegiate teams in the country for the 2018 Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup.
“To kickstart our preparations for the 2023 World Cup, we will be competing in the Premier Cup,” Gilas head coach Chot Reyes confirmed.
As they have either exhausted their eligibility or not committed to any school, Ricci Rivero, J-Jay Alejandro, and Abu Tratter will be the mainstays for the team.
On the other hand, as a compromise to their schools for the tournament, the rest of the cadets will only be allowed to join Gilas if their school does not have a scheduled game for the day.
“The lineup is not yet final but we are hoping that all the 23 for 2023 cadets here will be allowed to play,” Reyes added.
The rest of the pool will include Thirdy Ravena, Isaac Go, and Matt Nieto of Ateneo; Robert Bolick, Javee Mocon, and Kemark Carino of San Beda; CJ Perez of Lyceum; Paul Desiderio, Juan Gomez de Liano, and Will Gozum of UP; Kenneth Tuffin and Arvin Tolentino of FEU; Jeo Ambohot of Letran; Kai Sotto of Ateneo High School; and Carl Tamayo of Nazareth School of National University.
This would not have been possible without the support of Chooks-to-Go and Smart Communications.
“We would like to thank Chooks-to-Go and Smart for their continued support. Also, we are grateful to their schools for lending their student-athletes for the national cause,” Reyes expressed.