Sangalang, Aguilar out

MANILA, Philippines — Just as NBA player Jordan Clarkson and towering Kai Sotto joined camp, Gilas Pilipinas finds itself facing frontcourt issues with Japeth Aguilar and Ian Sangalang doubtful for next week’s games.

Ginebra star Aguilar tested positive for COVID-19 before entering the Gilas camp while Magnolia’s Sangalang reportedly begged off to recover from his grueling campaign in the PBA.

“Really bad timing for Japeth joining Gilas but thank God, Japeth was careful and didn’t attend practice (last) Monday,” Aguilar’s wife Cassandra said in a post on Twitter yesterday.

The 6-foot-9 Aguilar is completing his isolation. It’s not known whether he could still catch up with the national team, which is scheduled to leave for Beirut on Monday for the Aug. 25 assignment in the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Sangalang, for his part, asked for a breather after the bruising semifinal series against TNT, where he also sustained a cut on the forehead.

The newly-arrived Clarkson and Sotto are expected to spearhead the new-look Gilas in the road game versus the Cedars and the home outing against Saudi Arabia on the 29th.

Clarkson, who will take up the team’s naturalized player spot, said he came here with a well-defined goal.

“Just win,” he told News5 upon his arrival Friday night.