Allein Maliksi just got the call-up of a lifetime.
In an announcement made by Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes, Allein Maliksi of the Star Hotshots has been invited by to join the National Team pool on Tuesday morning during Gilas’ team-building at the Splendido Golf and Country Club in Tagaytay, Cavite. A meniscal tear on the left knee of teammate Paul Lee forced Gilas Pilipinas to do the call-up.
“We made the decision [just] this morning,” Reyes said, as Paul Lee’s status for both the 2017 SEABA Championship and the 2017 PBA Commissioners Cup remains day-to-day.
“Allein is on his way up and will be able to join us here.”
With the trade of James Yap during the off-season, the 29-year-old Maliksi, who stands at 6-foot-4, flourished during the 2016-17 Philippine Cup, posting norms of 16.5 points on a 52.3 percent shooting clip to go along with 3.5 boards — all career-highs.
Terrence Romeo (illness), June Mar Fajardo (rest), and Japeth Aguilar (rest) did not make the trip to Tagaytay.