As their two-year PBA Governors’ Cup reign came to an end last Friday, players called up from the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel took part in Gilas Pilipinas’ practice, Sunday evening at the Meralco Gym in Pasig City.
LA Tenorio, Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, and Greg Slaughter are all in attendance. They are joined by San Miguel Beermen boys June Mar Fajardo, Christian Standhardinger, Alex Cabagnot, Marcio Lassiter, and Arwind Santos.
Matthew Wright, Stanley Pringle, Gabe Norwood, Jayson Castro, and Troy Rosario are also in session.
Guard Paul Lee was present but in street clothes. His Magnolia Hotshots teammate Ian Sangalang and Gilas cadets Ricci Rivero and Kai Sotto were not around, though.
Head coach Yeng Guiao also returned after a business trip in Hong Kong.
The team is preparing for the upcoming fifth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. Gilas will host Kazakhstan and Iran on November 30 and December 3 respectively, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
With a current win-loss record of 5-3, the team seeks to maintain a top three position in Group F to book a ticket to the big dance in China next year.
Beforehand, though, Guiao’s men will have friendlies against Jordan and Lebanon to prepare themselves for the Kazakhstan and Iran fixtures.
The Nationals face Jordan on November 19 and 21, followed by Lebanon on November 23 and 25. All four games will be played at the Meralco Gym.
