Gilas next stop: Hanoi

MANILA, Philippines, March 1 ------ Not wasting its time following a dismal loss to New Zealand in the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Gilas Pilipinas will shift its focus to the next big goal: the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi.

The SEA Games, where the Philippines is the long-time reigning basketball champion, is slated May 12 to 23, making it a must for coach coach Chot Reyes to plot an early plan that is likely to feature a PBA-backed squad. “We have to meet with the PBA to synchronize calendars. We’re looking now at the Southeast Asian Games,” said Reyes following a split in the WC qualifiers – an 88-64 win over India and an 88-63 defeat to New Zealand for a 1-1 card in Group A.

In the said tournament, Gilas paraded a hastily assembled squad led by the core of TNT Tropang Giga, national cadets Dwight Ramos and Thirdy Ravena from the Japan B. League and naturalized player Ange Kouame of Ateneo. For the SEA Games, it’s uncertain whether overseas players could be available anew while Kouame and other collegiate prospects like Justine Baltazar of La Salle and Carl Tamayo of UP are expected to be in the playoffs of the returning UAAP play. “That’s another thing to take into consideration – who’s going to be available. Unfortunately, I cannot answer that question because we have to sit down and actually craft the plans,” Reyes said.

The PBA for its part, is expected to be on the offseason by the time the SEA Games takes place as the ongoing Governors’ Cup is already on the tailend of the elimination round. PBA commissioner Willie Marcial has confirmed the scheduled meeting with Reyes, who also serves as TNT mentor in the PBA, as early as today regarding his proposal.

Source: philstar.com