With the PBA’s quarterfinals cast complete, what happens to some of the ace players from eliminated teams NLEX, Columbian, Northport, and Blackwater?
They may get a call-up from Gilas Pilipinas for the upcoming second window of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, which takes place from November 27 to 30 in Manama, Bahrain.
Leading the way for the eliminated players is, of course, Gilas skipper Kiefer Ravena.
The 27-year-old NLEX guard averaged 19 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per contest in 10 games played inside the bubble.
However, the Road Warriors were shown the door on Tuesday afternoon after Rain or Shine’s 80-74 win over TNT.
Then there’s CJ Perez of Columbian.
Perez posted norms of 24.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 2.2 steals for the Dyip, who are dead last in the standings.
Both Ravena and Perez were part of the first window team.
Another name that can be added is Filipino-German Christian Standhardinger of Northport, who is classified as a naturalized player by FIBA.
Standhardinger, who averaged 21.0 points and 12.56 rebounds, will be an important piece as Angelo Kouame’s naturalization process will most likely not make by end of the month.
The Road Warriors, Elite, Dyip, and Batang Pier leave the bubble on Thursday after a final round of swab tests.
These three players can immediately head to Inspire Academy if Gilas’ practice pushes through this week.
Other members of the pool include Cadets Isaac Go, Rey Suerte, Allyn Bulanadi, the Nieto Twins, Jaydee Tungcab, and numerous collegiate standouts.
The Philippines will have three games in Manama — versus Thailand on the 26th, South Korea on the 28th, and Thailand again on the 30th.
