Matthew Wright and JP Erram were just reduced to a mere spectator as Gilas Pilipinas battles the visiting Adelaide 36ers in a tuneup part of their FIBA World Cup buildup, Friday at the Meralco Gym in Pasig.
The Fil-Canadian swingman won’t see action in the 6:00 p.m. friendly as he is still recovering from the peroneal tendon sprain he incurred during the Nationals’ practice last Monday.
Poy Erram also sprained his ankle Monday during a five-on-five scrimmage but he practiced the next day. However, the 6-foot-7 slotman did not see action in the exhibition.
Also on the sidelines are the injured Marcio Lassiter and Kiefer Ravena, who will see action in the second tuneup on Sunday — his first since FIBA’s 18-month ban on him due to doping violations.
Playing will be Gabe Norwood, Andray Blatche, June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Troy Rosario, Raymond Almazan, Beau Belga, Paul Lee, Robert Bolick, CJ Perez, Mark Barroca, and Roger Pogoy.
Friday’s tuneup is the first of two friendlies between the Filipino dribblers and the Australian ball club. The second game will be on Sunday, August 25, still at the Meralco Bolts.
Gilas’ 12-man lineup for the global basketball spectacle slated on August 31-September 15 will be named on Monday. The team will then head to Foshan, China on August 29.
