Gilas Pilipinas will name its final 12-man roster before flying to Hanoi, Vietnam for the much-anticipated 31st Southeast Asian Games set next month.
Team manager Butch Antonio said that head coach Chot Reyes will announce the crew out to maintain the country’s dominion of the region ahead of time, in accordance with the meet’s rules. The Nationals are leaving on May 13.
“Based on SEA Games rules, we have to submit our final twelve already before we even leave,” he told the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum, Tuesday. “Unlike sa FIBA the day before the game, eto, they’re asking earlier.”
Antonio said that the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) are always in coordination with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) with regards to the lineups, although they’re still hoping for a bit more leeway for submission.
“Actually hindi pa nabibigay ‘yung lineup, We are in coordination with the POC kasi ang POC natin ang nakikipag-coordinate sa Vietnam organizing committee. And I think they’re asking for it this week,” he said.
“Tayo naman nagre-request kung pwede pa natin maurong ng a little more days kasi we just like to make sure that when we make the announcement, it’s the correct announcement na,” he elaborated further.
This is because some members of the pool have yet to join Gilas practices. Japeth Aguilar’s status is hanging in the balance due to a calf injury, while others are still fulfilling their commitments with their mother teams abroad.
“We’d like to make sure that mabuo natin ang right team. Alam mo naman ang coaches natin, siyempre if we can push, and make sure lang. Kasi if you name this early, gusto mo una yung sure ka na,” Antonio said.
Sixteen names are in the pool of Reyes, reinforced by PBA players Aguilar, June Mar Fajardo, Matthew Wright, Troy Rosario, Roger Pogoy, Poy Erram, Mo Tautuaa, Kevin Alas, Robert Bolick, Isaac Go, and Kib Montalbo.
Bannering the pool are young stars Thirdy Ravena and Dwight Ramos. Completing the cast are Will Navarro, Lebron Lopez, and Caelum Harris.
The men’s team began its SEAG preparations before Holy Week before going full steam after Easter Sunday, according to Antonio.
Set to get rolling after postponements due to the pandemic, the Hanoi meet will be held on May 12-23, with the cage wars to run from the 16th to the 22nd.
