Gilas Pilipinas’ boys’ under-16 team is in a race against time as they prepare for the 2023 SEABA Under-16 Championship from July 17 to 19 in Indonesia.
An elite group of 18 prospects have been at Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna to prepare for the regional meet that will serve as a qualifier for the 2023 FIBA Under-16 Asian Championship in Qatar this September.
The four nations competing — namely the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia — were only informed of the tournament a month ago.
The good thing for head coach Josh Reyes and staff members Allan Albano, Allen Ricardo, Enzo Flojo, Rob Labagala, and JB Sison is that the team held tryouts last March
From almost 100 dreamers, the pool was cut to 24 before 18 remained at Inspire.
“It’s a unique situation because when the FIBA calendar started, this is not part of it. It’s unprecedented that the memo only came out a month before the tournament,” shared Reyes.
“Luckily, we started a bit early in terms of calling in players for tryouts and workouts. Although we weren’t practicing everyday, we were able to start early. We are thankful to the SBP and to the parents for allowing us to make this happen. I’m pretty confident that the guys will be ready.”
Some of the players on the pool are promising Ateneo big man Ziv Espinas, super scorer Irus Chua, versatile forward Kieffer Alas, and hardworking guard Jheremy Godoy, among others.
Also arriving early this week are Fil-foreign prospects CJ Amos, Edwyn Morales, Paul Diao, and Elijah Williams.
“They are going to give me a tough decision with regard to the roster. There will be at least two very tough cuts,” shared Reyes.
Gilas will face Malaysia on the 17th, Thailand on the 18th, and Indonesia on the 19th.
Unique will be the format as there will be no playoffs.
That is why the team will only have one mission — win all the games to avoid complications.
“It’s hard because it’s just three games. There is no playoff and you have to win every game to qualify. “
