Winston maintains focus

MANILA, Philippines — La Salle stalwart Deschon Winston is keeping focused on the UAAP season and even as he was cleared by FIBA to play for Gilas as a local, his father Laurian Watkins said yesterday it’s not a distraction.

FIBA recently sent a confirmation to SBP deputy executive director and Gilas team manager Butch Antonio that Winston is approved to suit up for the Philippine team. Watkins said Winston visited the Philippines when he was three with his mother Carla Ruby Rose of Olongapo and was issued a Filipino passport when he was nine.

Since Winston hasn’t attended a single Gilas practice and is currently rehabbing a calf injury, Gilas head coach Chot Reyes said he wasn’t considered for the 20-man pool from which 12 will be picked to play in the fifth FIBA World Cup Asia qualifying window against Jordan on Nov. 10 and Saudi Arabia on Nov. 13. Winston will finish his second and last UAAP season in December. Winston, 24, is expected to be in the pool for the sixth window where the Philippines plays Lebanon on Feb. 24 and Jordan on Feb. 27, both at home.

“Deschon’s doing well,” said Watkins. “Tightness in his calf has released quite a bit. I know he’ll not push it this week but we’ll evaluate him next week. We really have some ground to make up this (second) round. It’s a dream opportunity to be able to play for the country.” Watkins said storage boxes were opened in Virginia where his wife’s mother lives to find the Filipino passport.

“My wife was in Virginia for four days,” said Watkins. “I never mentioned much to Deschon. I didn’t want to get his hopes up and keep him focused on a championship this season. When I told him he was cleared, he was really excited. I told him to sit down so he won’t do more injury to his leg. My wife’s mother lives in Virginia and has a storage that wasn’t in anybody’s house. It was easy to find because we had it on hand. I think Deschon can help Gilas for many years. He’s not afraid of the big stage and to play with the best countries would be amazing. He’s always had confidence but was frequently overlooked because of his mild temperament. I thank the Philippines for bringing out the dog out of him, even if only low key. We’ll focus on getting him healthy and finishing up in the Philippines. I’m looking forward to the next chapter of his career.”