Gilas Diaries: 2-week Lithuania camp begins

MANILA, Philippines – After a long 21-hour flight, Gilas Pilipinas finally arrived in Palanga, Lithuania for a two-week training camp in preparation for the FIBA-Asia men’s basketball championship to be held here in August.

Philstar.com has followed some of the Gilas players, who gave us a sneak peek of their first two days on the road.  

Upon arrival in Palanga, Gilas checked in their house for the next two weeks – Hotel Vanagupe – described as a five-star hotel and spa center (see more pics below). 

Coach Kestutis Kemzura, who led Lithuania to a bronze medal finish in the 2010 FIBA Wolrd Championships in Turkey, will lend a hand during the training camp.   

Before plunging to a twice-a-day practice and six games against Lithuanian teams bannered by their Under-20 team, two-time European champions, and LSU Baltai club of Kaunas, the Nationals went to take a breather in the Baltic Sea coast. 

Gilas head coach Chot Reyes is looking at this training camp to build the team's chemistry and the same time toughen the team against the taller and bigger Lithuanians. 

"We came here liking each other. We will eat, sleep, train together for 15 days until we grow sick and tired of each other," Reyes posted on his Twitter account yesterday. "Warts and all... 30 practices in 15 days away from our families. It will not be easy. But this is what we signed up for. for History."