Gilas Pilipinas still waiting for key guys as weekly training resumes

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Gilas Philippines coach Chot Reyes during the FIBA Asia Cup 2022 match against Lebanon.

FILE–Philippines Gilas coach Chot Reyes. – FIBA BASKETBALL

MANILA, Philippines–Gilas Pilipinas resumed weekly practice on Monday night, getting at least one month of hard-earned preparation time for the program.

But program director and trainer Chot Reyes is the first to hose down any rising excitement with a reality check.

“We only have half of the men because the players in Japan are not here yet and some players also need to rest,” Reyes told several reporters as he left the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Wednesday night after watching TNT live from Phoenix from a distance, 123 -119.

“Chris Newsome and Raymond Almazan came from the (Meralco) game the night before, while Jamie Malonzo and Scottie Thompson have not returned from their (championship) vacation,” he said.

Gilas, however, can have an initial appraisal of the three new call-ups and a reunion with the cornerstone.

“Jerom Lastimosa, Mason Amos, and Schonny Winston were there, so we had a chance to finish. Of course, June Mar (Fajardo), we got back into the groove,” said Reyes.

Lastimosa, Amos, and Winston are the latest prospects that Gilas Pilipinas has tapped for the sixth and final qualifier of the Fiba World Cup Asia qualifiers set for next month.

Reyes said it’s too early to say if anyone from the three universities can make the Final 12 against Jordan or Lebanon, but he’s excited to see and get an idea of how the program fits.

“We hardly did anything. Just walkthroughs of some things. Too much talk,” he said. “Even though we already know what they can do, we just want to see how they will fit.”

“I think it will be beneficial for them as well—for the players to have that experience,” he said.

Gilas is set to host the streaking Cedars on February 24 and then the Falcons on February 27 at the cavernous Philippine Arena using a showcase to identify players who will make the roster for the World Cup this August.

Reyes said that Gilas would like to add another day to the preparations for the two front stands as soon as more players are available.

“About a week before the match, I think that’s the time we have to do (practice) every day,” he said.