MANILA, Philippines - Nakatakdang magtungo ang Smart Gilas Pilipinas II ngayon patungong Taipei para sumabak sa 2012 Jones Cup na nakatakda sa Agosto 18 hanggang 26.
“We’re leaving for Taipei with a one-word mindset--learning,” sabi ni national head coach Chot Reyes. “Hopefully, we can make the top three but the tourney is really for learning and experience for us. This is an opportunity for the players to learn to play with each other. For the first timers, this is an opportunity for them to learn international play.”
Ito ang unang international exposure para sa Smart Gilas II at nakatakda nilang labanan ang Jordan bukas para sa kanilang unang laro.
Ang Jordan ang tumalo sa Phl team sa semifinals ng 2011 FIBA Asia Championship sa Wuhan, China.
Makakaharap rin ng Smart Gilas II sa Jones Cup ang mga koponan ng Iran, Lebanon, Japan at Chinese-Taipei at ang isang South Korean club team, Chinese-Taipei team B at isang US selection ang kukumpleto sa torneo.
Ipaparada ni Reyes sa Jones Cup sina naturalized player Marcus Douthit, Ranidel de Ocampo, Larry Fonacier, Sonny Thoss, LA Tenorio, Mac Baracael, Jeff Chan, Gabe Norwood, Rico Villanueva, Gary David, Sol Mercado, JayR Reyes, Fil-Am recruit Matt Rosser at PBA D-League star Garvo Lanete.