Though there is yet to have a final lineup, Gilas Pilipinas’ team for the 19th Asian Games will be bannered by four key figures who will lead the squad.
Bannering the squad is Justin Brownlee.
Head coach Tim Cone assured that the naturalized Filipino, who steered Gilas to gold in the 31st Southeast Asian Games, has already recovered from his injury and will be ready for the continental meet which begins on September 23.
(C) POC-PSC Media Group
“He is back on the court and he wants to play in the Asian Games. He will play.
“Obviously, we need him because he makes everyone around him better. Really looking forward to see him on that stage,” said Cone.
Meanwhile, team manager Alfrancis Chua confirmed that World Cuppers June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, and Scottie Thompson will have another go-around with the national team.
“June Mar is in for sure. Japeth, Brownlee, and Scottie are in. Si Scottie dapat pupunta ng Japan and Japeth is about to leave as well while June Mar is already in Cebu. We are going to sacrifice because our players will sacrifice. Kakatapos lang ng World Cup,” said Chua.
As an incentive for those who will be selected, Chua and SMC chairman Ramon S. Ang will be giving the players a reward for their sacrifice for the country.
“So what we did was our players from San Miguel, Ginebra, and Magnolia, kung sino man makukuha dun, after the Asian Games, even though malapit na ang PBA, we are giving them 10 days to do whatever they want kapalit ng sacrifice na gagawin nila for Asian Games,” said SMC’s sports director.
Gilas will begin practice on Monday.
“We are still looking for the gaps that could fill the shoes of those who are not here,” said Cone.
