Gilas Pilipinas are in dire need of guards.
Last March, Gilas Elite pool member Kevin Alas of the NLEX Road Warriors suffered a tear to his anterior cruciate ligament. He is out until early next year.
Then just last week, Gilas mainstay Kiefer Ravena was slapped with a hefty 18-month ban by the International Basketball Federation after testing positive for three World Anti-Doping Agency-banned substances.
“That’s two point guards already that we’re missing from the program,” lamented head coach Chot Reyes.
So, next man up.
Meralco Bolts floor general Baser Amer was called up by team manager Butch Antonio on Sunday evening to report back to active duty. The proud son of Davao City quickly responded to the call.
“Last night, tinext ako ni sir Butch Antonio. Pinapapunta ako dito ni coach Chot so yun,” shared the 6-foot floor general.
“Nag-reply naman kaagad ako na, ‘Yes. Sige.’”
The last time Amer suited up for Gilas was back in the 2017 Southeast Asian Games. After that, he remained part of the pool but was not called up to practice during the preparation for the first two windows of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Still, he waited — even asking his good friend Ravena to tag him along during the practices.
“Lagi kong sinasabi sa kanya kahit nung nandito pa siya sa Gilas na isama mo naman ako dito kahit practice player lang,” Amer disclosed.
“Gusto ko ng experience at dagdag kaalaman ba. Lahat dito magagaling eh.”
That is why Amer is relishing this opportunity to train and possibly play alongside ace guards Jayson Castro, Terrence Romeo, and Jio Jalalon.
“Sana di ba? Kasi hindi lahat, ang daming player na gustong pumasok dito,” expressed Amer. “Nandito na ako, so sana makapasok sa line-up. Sobrang sarap maglaro talaga para sa Gilas.
“Na-experience ko na rin kasi nung nasa cadets ako.”
