Gilas Pilipinas will not have one of its top gunners in the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers’ first window next week.
Matthew Wright has withdrawn from the talent pool, as the Filipino-Canadian swingman is being hounded by ankle problems, team manager Gabby Cui confirmed Wednesday evening.
“Matthew pulled out because there’s something wrong with his ankle.”
Wright actually dropped by Gilas’ practice on Wednesday, watching from the sidelines. He spoke for a while with program director Tab Baldwin during the session, before leaving shortly after.
“He came by actually and talked to coach Tab and said that he wanted to join, but unfortunately he has to rehab his ankle so he won’t be able to make it,” shared Cui.
The Phoenix Pulse star has now become the fourth pro player to pull out from the roster after veteran internationalists Christian Standhardinger, Japeth Aguilar, and Mac Belo.
The Fil-German bruiser and Belo both cited knee problems. Meanwhile, the 6-foot-9 Aguilar is currently on a honeymoon following his marriage to long-time partner Cassy Naidas.
But those pullout issues have seemingly been addressed. Over the weekend, Gilas added 6-foot-6 center Justin Chua to replace Aguilar, before bringing in Javee Mocon in lieu of Wright.
“Fortunately, we have Javee Mocon. He stepped up and he’s willing to help the team, so I’m very happy for Javee,” Cui said.
Cui revealed that Gilas had actually invited Mo Tautuaa also, but the 6-foot-7 slotman politely declined. He did express his willingness to join the Nationals sometime in the future.
“Actually we also invited, if you look sa FIBA [website], nandoon si Mo Tautuaa when I think Japeth or C-Stan, one of them wasn’t able to make it. But he also declined,” Cui shared.
“He wanted to and he wants to join Gilas in the near future also, but for this window, he’s asking if he can decline first. But for the future, he really wants to join.”
Still, more help is on the way coming from the Alaska frontcourt duo of Vic Manuel and Abu Tratter.
The two have been invited but have yet to report to Gilas since they are still with the Aces’ team building sessions ahead of the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup. Cui said they will attend soon.
“They just came from a team building. I think Abu will be here Friday. Si Vic, I think his wife is, congratulations Vic, is giving birth on Saturday. Baka he’ll be here Sunday,” Cui said.
“But even with the short notice, they still want to help our Gilas Pilipinas, so we’re looking forward to them being here and helping out.”
