Justin Chua is officially part of Gilas Pilipinas’ pool for the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers’ first window.
Team manager Gabby Cui confirmed the development Monday and said that the 6-foot-6 slotman will come in to replace national team vet Japeth Aguilar, who begged off to spend honeymoon.
“Yes he’s part of the pool now as a replacement for Japeth,” Cui wrote in a short text message.
Gilas has added Chua after three members of the pool pulled out last week. Aside from the 6-foot-9 Aguilar, Christian Standhardinger and Mac Belo withdrew due to knee issues.
The Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters center had already joined the Nationals’ practice Sunday evening.
Chua has now become another option of coach Mark Dickel for his frontcourt for the final 12-man lineup aside from Marc Pingris, Troy Rosario, Poy Erram, Isaac Go, and Justine Baltazar.
Gilas now has 10 days left before battling Thailand here at home on February 20 to open the Qualifiers. It then faces another Southeast Asian rival Indonesia on the 23rd on the road.
