Already serving as lead assistant coach to the Ateneo Blue Eagles and a part of Bong Ravena’s staff over at the TNT Katropa, Sandy Arespacochaga has also been tapped to join Gilas Pilipinas’ staff.
And the Ateneo lifer’s addition is a much-needed one heading into the 6th window of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
“Yeah, we added him because, we needed an extra hand in scouting,” bared Philippine Men’s National Basketball Team head coach Yeng Guiao.
Arespacochaga, who helped facilitate Monday night’s session that saw 13 members of the pool participate, is tasked to scout Kazakhstan. With this, he and fellow assistant coach Ford Arao will head to Astona in advance to watch the Kazakhs takes on the Australian Boomers on February 21 — the same day when Gilas faces Qatar in Doha.
“We are sending the both of them earlier at mawawala sila for Qatar dahil papanoorin nila yung game ng Kazakhstan,” added Guiao.
“Advance scouts sila.”
With their backs against the wall with a 5-5 record, Gilas can’t afford to falter in the final window that will decide who the final seven teams that will qualify for basketball’s biggest stage. Moreover, Kazakhstan stunned Gilas at home last November 30, 88-92.
“We are just trying to cover all the bases.
“We could do that with coach Ford pero yun nga, malungkot doon masyado sa Kazakhstan. Malamig dun at baka makatulog siya. At least may alarm clock siya,” quipped Guiao.
