Newly-installed Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes bared Tuesday morning the plans for the national team’s campaign to the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
During a press conference held in Taguig City, Reyes directly told the players on hand that entering the 2016 PBA Draft is a priority for all Gilas pool members.
“I will have to tell you now that the first part of my program of prepping for FIBA competition is to make sure that the players are in the PBA,” he said. “You’re all part of the Gilas program, and you’re all going to be part of the PBA draft.”
“My commitment to the PBA is every player who puts on the Gilas jersey is going to be part of the PBA draft.”
The cagers present were former FEU Tamaraws Carl Cruz, Mac Belo, Mike Tolomia, Russel Escoto and Roger Pogoy, former UST Growling Tigers Kevin Ferrer and Ed Daquioag, former Ateneo Blue Eagle Von Pessumal, former DLSU Green Archer Arnold Van Opstal, and Arellano Chief Jio Jalalon – all of whom have accomplished their residency in the PBA D-League.
The other two players on hand were Matthew Wright of Mighty Sports and Blackwater Elite’s Almond Vostoros. Wright has yet to play in the D-League.
The PBA has also affirmed to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas that the players will be sent back to the program when needed according to Reyes.
“For me, part of the training is that we have a group of players playing in the PBA. When we need them, we’re pulling you out early, 30 days, 60 days, to train for Gilas,” Reyes furthered.
Due to the torrid pace of the new FIBA calendar leading up to the World Cup, the National Team will have a rotating cast that will be composed of pool players reinforced by PBA players and/or naturalized player Andray Blatche.
