Guiao defers announcement of Gilas roster

MANILA, Philippines — Yeng Guiao quickly hit the ground running when he first met with the 16-man Team Philippines pool at the Meralco Gym in Ortigas, Monday night, ahead of the second round hostitlites at the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers later this month.

But Guiao, after a long huddle far removed from the playing court and the simulation of a handful of plays, put on hold the announcement of his final lineup that will see action against Iran in Tehran.

JUST IN: Guiao says no lineup YET. Here’s why. #FIBAWCQ @PhilippineStar @PhilstarNews pic.twitter.com/D5IzmAmXEn

— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrd) September 3, 2018

Guiao prefers not to mention the shoo-ins. #FIBAWCQ pic.twitter.com/EU0WYqez5K

— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrd) September 3, 2018

"I was talking to boss Butch (Antonio) about it. I just gotta get some documents back in the States right now. My parents hopefully can send those over. Hopefully they can get to process that, and hopefully my eligibility will be all good,” Ginebra’s Greg Slaughter said.

If cleared, Slaughter can play as a local, leaving Stanley Pringle and Christian Standhardinger the only options for the naturalized spot. A team can only field one.

It is worth nothing that the 7-foot behemoth has already donned the national tricolor in previous FIBA-sanctioned events, which establishes precedence for his eligibility.

The Nationals will work around a nightly practice before heading for Tehran on the 10th.

They will immediately head home after their September 13 game to brace for the Qataris, whom they will play behind closed doors following the sanctions the country is serving due to the incident with Australia last July.