With the second window of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers raising its curtains in just 49 days, SMART Gilas Pilipinas will begin its preparations for it on Monday, January 8.
For the rest of January, practices will be held on Mondays. Come February, the team will rev up its sessions by going daily until the team departs for Melbourne, Australia.
In a tweet by Reyes, he announced that the pool for this window includes Jayson Castro, Kiefer Ravena, Kevin Alas, Jiovani Jalalon, Roger Pogoy, Matthew Wright, Allein Maliksi, Gabe Norwood, Calvin Abueva, Carl Cruz, Mac Belo, Troy Rosario, Raymond Almazan, Japeth Aguilar, and June Mar Fajardo.
Noticeably absent is Terrence Romeo who is still on the sidelines due to injury.
In addition, naturalized Filipino Andray Blatche was not named in the pool. Blatche is currently playing in China.
Gilas will go on the road against Australia on February 22. The Philippines will then host Japan at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on February 25.
The Philippines ended its first window campaign with an immaculate 2-0 record after defeating Japan on the road, 77-71, before blasting Chinese-Taipei 90-83 at home.
It is still unknown whether the team’s practice sessions will continue to be held closed door.
