Matthew Wright sits out practice; Ricci Rivero, Carl Tamayo attend

With just 17 days to go before the second window of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers begin, all 13 members of Gilas Pilipinas attended practice held at the Meralco Gym in Pasig City, Monday night.

However, floor general Jio Jalalon, swingman Roger Pogoy, and gunner Matthew Wright sat out practice, with the latter having an ice pack wrapped around his left knee.

Actively participating for the night were June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Jayson Castro, Troy Rosario, Mac Belo, Allein Maliksi, Kiefer Ravena, Kevin Alas, and Carl Cruz.

Helping out in the night’s session were 10 of the 23 for 2023 cadets.

Recent addition to the pool Ricci Rivero headlined the night’s cast, while Carl Tamayo of Nazareth School of National University attended his first practice. Joining them were Juan Gomez de Liano, Kai Sotto, J-jay Alejandro, Arvin Tolentino, Kenneth Tuffin, Javee Mocon, and Paul Desiderio.

Also helping for the night were five foreigners, headed by Chibueze Ikeh.

SBP vice chairman Robbie Puno and PBA commissioner Willie Marcial were on the sidelines.

The Philippines will face Australia on February 22 in Melbourne. Three days later, Gilas will take on Japan at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.