Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes is still hoping for a few more additions to the national team pool even if the FIBA World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers’ Manila window is less than three weeks away.
That’s actually the reason why he has yet to finalize the lineup for the meet slated on February 24-28 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
“Kaya hindi natin fina-finalize because we want to keep our options open,” Reyes told the Philippine Sportswriters’ Association Forum, which is presented by San Miguel Corporation (SMC), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), MILO, Amelie Hotel Manila, Unilever and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
“We still have a few days before we are asked to submit our lineup. Ayaw naman natin itali ang ating mga kamay,” the decorated bench tactician continued.
“So, still, hopefully, in the next few days, baka meron pa.”
Reyes did not mention any name whom he could potentially add to the mix. Still, he certainly would’ve wanted young forwards such as Carl Tamayo and Justine Baltazar.
However, the two had to beg off due to the strict bubble measurements implemented by University of the Philippines and De La Salle University, respectively.
Photos from FIBA.basketball
“I was really looking forward to having Carl Tamayo and Justine Baltazar. Talagang nanghihinayang ako. But we have to respect that it is what it is.”
Reyes has been working with a pool that has players from the previous Gilas program – namely Ange Kouame, Dwight Ramos, Juan Gomez de Liaño, Will Navarro, Jaydee Tungcab, and Tzaddy Rangel.
Reinforcing the squad are the TNT Tropang Giga, which has plenty of players with vast experience playing internationally.
The team prepared in a bubble set-up at the Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Batangas. However, it has already broken camp recently and is now training once again at the Moro Lorenzo Gym, according to Reyes.
Reyes and TNT will have their hands full in the coming days, especially with the PBA Governors’ Cup set to resume on Friday at the Big Dome.
That will also be the start of a grueling stretch for the contenders. They will play four games in eight days due to their Gilas commitment. But the outspoken mentor said they simply have to take on the challenge.
“It is what it is. Ganun naman talaga ang buhay, ‘di ba. You have to go and do what you have to do.”
