Gilas Pilipinas head coach Yeng Guiao expected a full 15-man lineup for their session on Monday evening.
However, June Mar Fajardo, Troy Rosario, and Roger Pogoy were not yet around.
“Actually, I thought they’re coming today, pero wala pa rin. So baka pagod pa. So siguro bukas andito na yung mga yon,” said the straightforward mentor moments after the national team’s practice at the Meralco Gym in Pasig.
The only players in attendance were Japeth Aguilar, Gabe Norwood, Mark Barroca, Paul Lee, Andray Blatche, JP Erram, Raymond Almazan, Beau Belga, Kiefer Ravena, Matthew Wright, Robert Bolick, and CJ Perez.
Guiao revealed that the team has been trying to reach out to the three. Unfortunately, they have yet to receive any response.
“We’re trying to get in touch with them, trying to confirm, but so far wala pang confirmation,” he said.
The outspoken bench strategist is particularly rueful of their absence. Gilas is now in a critical part of its preparations for the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China – the global basketball spectacle is just 12 days away.
“Sayang yung araw, nanghihinayang din ako,” Guiao said. “Kaya lang ‘di natin sila mapwersa or mapilit, alam din nating galing sila sa Finals. So maybe they know how they feel, they know what their bodies require.
“So we’re giving them the benefit of the doubt.”
Still, Guiao can only be so understanding of their situation despite exhaustion of the Finals, which San Miguel won 4-2. He therefore issued an ultimatum, as he hopes for a complete lineup as soon as possible.
“We’ll wait for them one or two more days. Pero ‘pag ‘di sila dumating, kailangan mag-desisyon na rin tayo.”
