Injuries and players on break hampered the supposed first day of Gilas Pilipinas’ preparations for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Fourteen of players arrived at the Meralco Compound on Wednesday evening, namely Roger Pogoy, Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Poy Erram, Carl Tamayo, CJ Perez, Rhenz Abando, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., AJ Edu, Chris Newsome, Angelo Kouame, Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, and June Mar Fajardo.
The players were sent to the meeting room to meet Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio, who told the players of the gravity of the journey they are embark on.
The session was brief and short, according to multiple sources from inside the team, with head coach Chot Reyes telling the players that they would reconvene on Monday.
Numerous players are currently still recovering from injuries.
San Miguel’s June Mar Fajardo is on the last stretch in his recovery from an MCL injury he sustained last March. Ditto for Ginebra’s Japeth Aguilar who played through an MCL injury as well during the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals.
The TNT trio of Roger Pogoy (finger), Poy Erram (ankle), and Calvin Oftana (calf).
Free agent Angelo Kouame is still also recovering from a partial ACL tear he had surgery on early this year.
There are also pool players who are still abroad.
Justin Brownlee will return from the US next week while Jordan Clarkson will only arrive six weeks before the global meet.
Kai Sotto is still busy preparing for the NBA Summer League.
Gilas will supposedly hold a bubble training camp at Inspire Sports Academy next week before heading to Estonia.
