A week after Stanley Pringle lent the team a helping hand, Gilas Pilipinas found help yet again as they resumed their practices, Monday evening at the Meralco Gym.
Beau Belga dropped by and joined Gabe Norwood, June Mar Fajardo, Kiefer Ravena, Japeth Aguilar, Roger Pogoy, Mark Barroca, Paul Lee, Raymond Almazan, Poy Erram, Robert Bolick, and CJ Perez in the session.
Belga previously played in the fourth and fifth windows of the Asian Qualifiers
“Tulong lang sa kanila,” said the hefty Rain or Shine Elasto Painters big man, who averaged 5.3 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in four games played in the qualifiers.
Gilas head coach Yeng Guiao sincerely appreciated his former student’s efforts to volunteer, all for the national cause.
“Extra body lang yan. He’s also been part of Gilas and he will always be part of Gilas, just like Stanley [Pringle] and yung mga nagvo-volunteer,” said Guiao, as he had Stanley Pringle help out as well back in Gilas’ practice exactly a week ago.
“They wanna help out in having good practices, and being able to challenge the other guys just so maganda [ang] ensayo.”
After almost two hours of practice, Belga admitted he likes what he saw from this particular pool of players, which is a mix of grizzled veterans and young stars. For him, this group meshes well, since they are all smart players.
“‘Pag matalino ka sa sistema ni Yeng Guiao, madaling mag-blend yun eh… ‘Pag mahina yung utak mo when it comes sa kanya, matatagalan kayo, mahihirapan kayo. And yung set of guys na kinuha niya, matatalino eh,” he said.
“Kahit na sabihin mong not that skillful, basta may dunong sa basketball, mas madali, mas okay.”
