Matthew Wright shows up as Gilas’ FIBA ACQ prep continues

Vic Manuel and Abu Tratter have yet to report to Gilas Pilipinas since being invited to be part of the national team’s pool for the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers’ first window.

The Alaska Aces’ frontcourt tandem were not around while the Filipino dribblers continued their preparations for the tilt — set about a week from now — Wednesday evening at the Meralco Gym in Pasig.

Manuel and Tratter should have attended on Tuesday, but the two were with their mother team’s ongoing team building session ahead of the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup set on March 8.

Poy Erram was also absent, although the 6-foot-7 slotman had been attending practices consistently prior.

Nineteen players were present, though — including Matthew Wright. But Wright did not participate in the session.

PBA cagers included Kiefer Ravena, Troy Rosario, Roger Pogoy, CJ Perez, Justin Chua, and Marc Pingris.

Also in attendance were Thirdy Ravena, Isaac Go, Matt and Mike Nieto, Juan and Javi Gomez De Liaño, Dave Ildefonso, Dwight Ramos, Rey Suerte, Allyn Bulanadi, and Jaydee Tungcab.

Kobe Paras was in attendance as well, though he was in street clothes as he is still recovering from a shoulder injury.

The Nationals now only have eight days remaining before taking on Thailand on the 20th at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. They will then face Indonesia on the road on the 23rd.