Reyes names deep pool for sixth Qualifying window as Gilas buckles down to work for two tough home games

A three-game winning streak, an expansion of the pool for naturalized players and time to prepare is something that doesn’t happen often for the Gilas Pilipinas program.

Now it’s time for coach Chot Reyes and the 24 men of the Nationals to get to work as Team Philippines prepares for the sixth qualifying window and the finals of the International Basketball Federation (Fiba) World Cup scheduled for next month.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) released the list of candidates who will make up the two different teams that will play in Lebanon and Jordan, and many feel that Justin Brownlee will get his first call as a naturalized Filipino and join some grizzled internationalists. and longshots to make the team like Filipino-Australian teenager Mason Amos.

“We know we will lose quite a few players there, but we have to start as the Lebanon game is fast approaching,” Reyes told the Inquirer on Monday shortly after the pool of talent was announced by SBP.

“We will get a chance to see the new guys,” Reyes said as training officially began at the Meralco Gym in Pasig City.

Brownlee, less than a week removed from leading Barangay Ginebra to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup title and officially becoming naturalized, seems to have a lock on Ange Kouame, Ateneo’s big man in the UAAP who is also in the UAAP. the list.

Also earning their first Gilas call-up are former La Salle player Schonny Winston, Adamson star Jerom Lastimosa, and Amos, a 6-foot-8 bruiser who has seen international action for Batang Gilas. Japan-bound Carl Tamayo, who left the University of the Philippines after only two seasons, has also been taken in the slot.

Old hands

Making the list again are PBA Most Valuable player Scottie Thompson, six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, Chris Newsome, Roger Pogoy, Jamie Malonzo, Calvin Oftana, Japeth Aguilar, Raymond Almazan, and Arvin Tolentino.

Leading the group of players based abroad is Kai Sotto, brother Thirdy and Kiefer Ravena, Ray Parks. Jr. Dwight Ramos and Jordan Heading.

Rounding out the list are La Salle’s Kevin Quiambao, and Ateneo’s Francis Lopez.

New dynamics

The Philippines played the red-hot Cedars (February 24) and lazy Jordan (February 27) in a virtual dry run in the cavernous arena, which will continue a portion of the game when the main event-Fiba World Cup-rolls together in August.

Reyes, in an earlier interview, could not contain his excitement at the prospect of Brownlee playing alongside Fajardo, a San Miguel mainstay who has played in two World Cups.

“Immediately, there will be changes with Justin and June Mar – hopefully – available. Immediately, there will be changes [the team’s] dynamics, right?” he said.

The Philippines now toting a 5-3 record in the tournament is really not necessary to win, but used for the coaching staff to see the player-combination that will be the best in the international setting.

This will also be Reyes’ first time to direct his focus solely on Gilas, as he left his job with TNT in the PBA to get his undivided attention until after the main event.

“I’ve been waiting for this moment,” Brownlee said in an earlier interview. “Hopefully, I can make the Philippines more proud.”

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