Norman Black has begun forming his Gilas Pilipinas Men’s team that will compete in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games this December in Bangkok, Chonburi, and Songkhla, Thailand.
According to multiple sources closely monitoring the situation, the decorated head coach is eyeing two of the brightest minds in Philippine basketball to assist him in this endeavor.
Black is hoping to bring in University of the Philippines head coach Goldwin Monteverde and Ateneo de Manila University assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga as his deputies for the biennial meet.
Monteverde, a two-time UAAP men’s basketball champion coach, has a keen eye on amateur talent, especially in the UAAP ranks. He provides an advantage as the team will be composed of UAAP student-athletes.
Meanwhile, Black’s reunion with Arespacochaga will be a significant one. Arespacochaga previously served as his lead deputy during Black’s stint with the Ateneo Blue Eagles from 2005 to 2012, and later with TNT from 2013 to 2014.
As for the players, several stars have already expressed their commitment to lead the Philippines in its quest for a 20th SEA Games gold medal.
(C) FIBA.basketball
Kawasaki Brave Thunders’ Matthew Wright, Osaka Evessa’s Bobby Ray Parks Jr. — who is also Black’s godson — Daegu KOGAS Pegasus’ SJ Belangel, and Goyang Sono Skygunners’ Kevin Quiambao have all signified their intent to join the team.
This also means that after the November window of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, Quiambao will remain in the country to compete in the SEA Games.
Also on Black’s wishlist is Fighting Eagles Nagoya’s Francis Lopez, though his availability, like the others, will depend on clearance from his mother club since the SEA Games does not fall within the FIBA international window.
Another name being considered is Quentin Millora-Brown, who recently secured local status from FIBA.
From the UAAP pool, potential candidates include La Salle’s Michael Phillips, Mason Amos, and Kean Baclaan.
The UAAP has said that it is willing to adjust its calendar for the SEA Games.
Also getting a call is Black’s former Ateneo big man Greg Slaughter.
In addition, Fil-foreign pros Remy Martin, Kihei Clark, Jason Brickman, and Boogie Ellis have submitted their passports to the SBP, according to Tiebreaker Times sources.
However, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is still awaiting word from the Thailand Sports Organizing Committee regarding player eligibility rules — whether they will follow full FIBA guidelines or adopt a passport-only requirement.
(C) FIBA.basketball
Regardless of the ruling, Justin Brownlee is set to occupy the naturalized player slot for Gilas.
