Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times
Photo by JR Guevara/EOG

2023 FIBA World Cup

Allen Liwag happy to see elite prospects accept him in Gilas


Allen Liwag did not expect to be called up by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas for the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Actually, the initial 15-man pool for Gilas Men did not have him.

But the SBP and Gilas program director Chot Reyes saw the potential in him during his rookie season with Emilio Aguinaldo College in the NCAA, telling themselves that this kid out of Cavite was worth a look.

“Siyempre unang una di ko inexpect na nangyari sa akin na mapapasali ako sa Gilas,” the 20-year-old, 6-foot-6 agile forward said.

“Siguro gagawin ko na lang yung best ko every practice, every opportunity na bigyan ako ng mga coaches at ng mga teammate ko para mapakita ko rin na deserving ako rin na mapasali dun.”

Liwag had been a revelation over the past year.

Before entering the NCAA, Liwag was one of the standouts during the Chooks-to-Go MPBL Invitational Tournament when he played for Mindoro EOG.2021-Chooks-to-Go-Maharlika-Pilipinas-Basketball-League-Invitational-Mindoro-vs-Basilan-Allen-Liwag-scaled Allen Liwag happy to see elite prospects accept him in Gilas 2023 FIBA World Cup Basketball EAC Gilas Pilipinas NCAA News  - philippine sports news

Then in the NCAA, he stood out with the Generals, averaging 9.33 points, 8.67 rebounds, and 1.67 blocks per contest. Yes, Liwag almost made the league’s All-Defensive team.NCAA-97-EAC-LIWAG-2 Allen Liwag happy to see elite prospects accept him in Gilas 2023 FIBA World Cup Basketball EAC Gilas Pilipinas NCAA News  - philippine sports news

In Gilas though, he is one of the youngest players in the pool, just ahead of Lebron Lopez and Caelum Harris.

But according to Liwag, it’s been so far, so good during the first few sessions of the team under Nenad Vucinic.

And all he hopes to do is to prove that he belongs with collegiate basketball’s elite.

“So far okay naman madali ako nakakasama sa kanila, kumbaga nakakasabay ako,” he said. “Kumbaga kasi winelcome nila ako na parang isa sa kanila.

“Di mo na kailangang isipin kung galing kang NCAA or UAAP kumbaga iisang team na rin kayo. Kailangan naming magtulungan para magkaroon ng chemistry.”

#ReadMore  Pinoyliga: Luke Felipe waxes hot as FEU deals EAC first loss
Written By




You May Also Like

3x3 Basketball

One of the longest seasons in the history of the National Collegiate Athletic Association of the Philippines has officially come to a close, Tuesday...

Basketball

Eager to make up for lost time, Rhenz Abando is more than willing to do whatever it takes for another shot at glory with...

Basketball

It may only be a matter of time before Dwight Ramos returns home for good — and takes his talents to Asia’s first-ever pay-for-play...

Basketball

Is Zavier Lucero eligible for Gilas? Fans online quickly asked as much after news of the Fil-Am wing’s inclusion in the Gilas Pilipinas pool...

Basketball

RJ Abarrientos and Troy Rosario were among the notable players present as Gilas Pilipinas commenced its preparations for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025. Head...

Basketball

Gilas Pilipinas Men head coach Tim Cone isn’t expecting much from the national team’s first practice on Monday ahead of the FIBA Asia Cup...

Basketball

De La Salle University erupted for a scorching third quarter to keep its unbeaten streak alive, while National University locked in the final UAAP...

AdU

La Salle kept its immaculate record intact in the PlayTime Cares 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive, steamrolling Far Eastern...

Advertisement