MANILA, Philippines — Overseas reinforcements are coming in for Gilas Pilipinas next week approaching the final window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers on Feb. 24 and 27 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
With the Japan B.League scheduled to take a break starting Monday, Gilas head coach Chot Reyes expects them join the PBA stalwarts and young guns from the collegiate ranks in the last two weeks of their preparation.
“We’re expecting next week. I think by Monday, we should be very complete,” said Reyes on PlayitRight TV as Gilas looks to refine its bearings for showdowns versus Lebanon on Feb. 24 and Jordan on Feb. 27.
The B. League takes a pause from Feb. 13 to March 7, making the Filipino imports there available for national team duties.
Filipino stalwarts in Japan called up for the 24-man Gilas pool are siblings Kiefer (Shiga Lakestars) and Thirdy Ravena (San-en NeoPhoenix), Dwight Ramos (Levanga Hokkaido), Jordan Heading (Nagasaki Velca) and RayRay Parks Jr. (Nagoya Diamond Dolphins).
Ryukyu Golden Kings-bound and former UP ace Carl Tamayo is also in the pool. He’s still in the country and has been a regular attendee in the Monday practices.
since last month.
As for Kai Sotto, who’s set for B.League transfer with Hiroshima Dragonflies after a two-year stint with Adelaide 36ers in the Australia NBL, discussions are ongoing whether he could be available to reinforce Gilas anew like in the previous windows.
“We’ve been in talks with his camp since the start of the year,” Reyes told The STAR.
Gilas will also have young guns Kevin Quiambao of La Salle, Jerom Lastimosa of Adamson and Francis Lopez back on deck after their stints with Strong Group in Dubai invitationals.
They will join a bevy of PBA stars regularly attending practice for three straight weeks led by six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo of SMB, reigning MVP Scottie Thompson and resident import Justin Brownlee of Ginebra, the team’s naturalized player.
Also in the fray are SMB’s CJ Perez, TNT’s Roger Pogoy and Calvin Oftana, Ginebra’s Jamie Malonzo and Japeth Aguilar, Northport’s Arvin Tolentino, Meralco’s Chris Newsome and Raymond Almazan along with prospects Mason Amos of Ateneo and ex-La Salle ace Schonny Winston.
Former UAAP MVP and fellow naturalized player Ange Kouame of Ateneo completes the pool but it’s uncertain whether he’s ready to train after battling dengue that sidelined him for Dubai tilt with Strong Group last week.
Gilas sports a 5-3 card in Group E of the Qualifiers though it’s automatically seeded in the World Cup as the main host, including the playoffs and the championship that will be held at the gargantuan 55,000-seater Philippine Arena.