It was a packed Meralco Gym on a Thursday night as 19 bodies were in uniform for Gilas Pilipinas’ practice — their second to the last night of preparations before they fly to Lebanon this weekend for the FIBA Asia Cup.
Ten Beirut-bound players were present as Roger Pogoy, Terrence Romeo, Christian Standhardinger, Gabe Norwood, Japeth Aguilar, Jio Jalalon, Matthew Wright, Calvin Abueva, Carl Cruz, and Raymond Almazan all suited up.
Absent were veterans Jayson Castro and June Mar Fajardo, who faced each other Wednesday night in the PBA Governor’s Cup.
Also in attendance are the SEA Games-bound squad in Kiefer Ravena, Kobe Paras, Von Pessumal, Kevin Ferrer, Almond Vosotros, Ray Parks, Jr., Fonzo Gotladera, and standby player Mac Belo.
Kobe’s elder brother Andre Paras is also at the Meralco Gym participating in drills for the third straight night.
Watching on the sidelines was Bounty Agro Ventures Incorporated president Ronald Mascarinas, one of the team’s chief boosters.
