After much deliberation, the Philippines will have a representative in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2017.
In a tweet by Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes, Chooks-to-Go, the official partner of Gilas Pilipinas, has decided to field in a team composed of Gilas Pilipinas pool members in the tournament that will be held in Chenzhou-Hunan, China from September 22-30.
Breaking: Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas joins @FIBAAsiaCC. Games will be shown @TV5manila & @Sports5PH
— Chot Reyes (@coachot) September 5, 2017
Already enlisted in the team are Christian Standhardinger, Kiefer Ravena, Jeron Teng, and Raymar Jose. The team is also looking to tap Jeron Teng, Jett Manuel, Carl Cruz, and UP’s Bright Akhuetie as reinforcement.
The team will be coached by Reyes.
Other club teams joining the tournament are China Kashgar (China), Dacin Tigers (Chinese-Taipei), Al Riyadi (Lebanon), Al Ahli (UAE), PetroChimi (Iran), ONGC (India), Mono Vampire (Thailand), BC Astana (Kazakhstan), and Sarreyet Ramallah (Palestine).
Naturalized Filipino Andray Blatche will suit up for China Kashgar.
It is still not known where Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas will be grouped with as the official pool drawing was held a week ago in Beijing. The Philippine-side though will most likely get the spot of Japan as they have yet to announce a team.
Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas’ first practice will be held on Monday, September 11.