Gilas Pilipinas will try a new mix of players when the Philippines takes part in the FIBA Asia Cup, which begins on July 12, Tuesday, in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Gilas will see action against Lebanon on July 13 at 9:00 p.m., followed by India on July 15 at 4:00 p.m. and then New Zealand on July 17 at 9:00 p.m.
The national team enters the FIBA Asia Cup following a dominant performance in the Asia Cup qualifiers last June 2021, in which they swept their group (3-0) by defeating teams such as Korea and India.
Several players were added in the roster of Gilas Pilipinas, including Ray Parks, who is back in the program since playing for the national squad a few years ago. Another late addition is Poy Erram, Reyes’ player at TNT.
Erram will take over the spot temporarily vacated by injured naturalized player Angelo Kouame, who is still recovering from his injury. Another key player being sidelined is Japan B. League stalwart Dwight Ramos, who had to beg off from playing because of a shin injury.
This means that Coach Chot Reyes will have only 11 healthy bodies playing for the national squad. Aside from Parks and Erram, the team will also have Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Will Navarro, SJ Belangel , RJ Abarrientos, LeBron Lopez, Geo Chiu, Carl Tamayo, and Kevin Quiambao.
The FIBA Asia Cup is one of the events that serve as a preparatory tournament for next year’s FIBA World Cup, and Reyes is trying to find different mix of players who can become potential members of next year’s squad.
“All our efforts now are in preparation for 2023. We are doing everything to have the best team possible by next year. So, we’re trying out different systems from putting up the best coaching team as well as assembling the best players who are willing to fight for their country,” Reyes said.
The FIBA Asia Cup 2022 in Jakarta, Indonesia will be made available live via the Smart GigaPlay App starting July 12. (PR)- bny
