Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

2023 FIBA World Cup

Gilas await overseas imports as daily training set to begin


The arrival of five overseas Filipino imports is expected to provide additional manpower to the national team pool preparing for the fifth window of the FIBA Asia World Cup Asian Qualifiers as the workouts intensify starting next week.

Beginning October 28, players like Dwight Ramos (Hokkaido), Kiefer (Shiga) and Thirdy Ravena (San-En), and Ray Parks (Nagoya) will be released by their respective teams in the B. League to join Gilas Pilipinas.

Meanwhile, Kai Sotto of Adelaide will arrive after November 5 as Australia’s National Basketball League will also have an international break until the 17th.

As soon as these players arrive, national coach Chot Reyes will start daily workouts for the training team gearing up for away games on Nov. 10 and 13 in Jordan and Saudi Arabia, respectively.

The exact date of their arrival hasn’t been pegged yet, however.

“Hindi ako sure. We don’t know the arrival yet of our B.League players,” said Reyes. “We’re planning, hopefully, three days – October 31, November 1, and 2, but we’re not sure.”

The PBA is scheduled for a long break, playing its last game of the month on Oct. 30 and returning on Nov. 4. It’s a period Gilas can use to train daily before the team leaves on Nov. 7.

Aside from the imports, Gilas is looking to bring in Ange Kouame of Ateneo de Manila University.

2023-FIBA-World-Cup-Asian-Qualifiers-Gilas-vs-India-Angelo-Kouame Gilas await overseas imports as daily training set to begin 2023 FIBA World Cup Basketball Gilas Pilipinas News  - philippine sports news

(C) Paul Ryan Tan/FIBA Asia

“FIBA has a directive to all the leagues around the world that players cannot be prevented from playing for their national teams. Hopefully, we can get Kai (Sotto). Just like in Japan, we know that on a certain date, I think until the 28th of this month, and then Dwight Ramos, Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, and Ray Parks, they’ll be available by then and we’re hoping the same for Kai,” said Reyes.

#ReadMore  Sta. Elena-NU cruises past Arellano as Perpetual clinches QF berth

On Monday, Gilas Pilipinas resumed its training with 10 players participating in the weekly session.

In attendance were Chris Newsome of Meralco, who returned after being sidelined for several weeks because of a contusion on his calf, and other PBA stars like reigning MVP Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, and Jamie Malonzo of  Ginebra; Roger Pogoy, Calvin Oftana and Poy Erram of TNT; and Arvin Tolentino of NorthPort. Also in the training session were collegiate players Kevin Quiambao of La Salle and Francis Lopez.

Written By


You May Also Like

Basketball

Kevin Quiambao received a much-needed confidence boost in the Philippines’ dominant 93-54 victory over Hong Kong, which propelled the team closer to securing an...

Basketball

In a display of his growth, Carl Tamayo led the Philippines to a dominant 93-54 victory over Hong Kong, inching closer to a spot...

Basketball

Since Tim Cone took the helm of Gilas Pilipinas Men, he has emphasized the importance of continuity, growth, and consistency throughout his 15-man pool....

Basketball

Gilas Pilipinas delivered a dominant performance, routing Hong Kong 93-54 to sweep Window 2 of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers on Sunday night...

Basketball

Gilas Pilipinas has reached new heights since Tim Cone took over the program last year. After serving as an assistant to Chot Reyes during...

Basketball

There was never any doubt in Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone’s mind about Scottie Thompson’s potential on the international stage. Thompson had seen...

Basketball

Despite coming off a concussion, Kai Sotto delivered a stellar performance, filling the stat sheet in Gilas Pilipinas’ landmark victory over New Zealand on...

Basketball

Nearly two years into his tenure with Gilas Pilipinas Men, Justin Brownlee has repeatedly proven that the Philippines’ success on the international basketball stage...

Advertisement