MANILA, Philippines — SBP president Al Panlilio confirmed the appointment of PBA vice chairman/Ginebra governor Alfrancis Chua as Gilas project director and team manager during a meeting with the coaches, players and staff at the Inspire Sports Academy, Calamba, last Friday.
“Alfrancis is back and I welcome him back,” said Panlilio. “I’m glad he’s back as he will do wonders for the team.” Chua was Gilas team manager when the Philippines won the Asian Games gold medal in Hangzhou last year, ending a drought from 1962. He begged off from the role at the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers last February and the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament last July but was persuaded to return.
Panlilio, Chua and PBA commissioner Willie Marcial were at Inspire when Gilas reported to camp. They took turns speaking to the group. “I told the team that this is another step to our planned journey to the World Cup and hopefully, the Olympics,” said Panlilio. “Another window tournament to get better. Continue to build not only in our play but in our chemistry (and) brotherhood.”
Marcial reiterated PBA’s all-out support to Gilas. “Todo suporta ang PBA sa Gilas at kung malakas ang Gilas, malakas ang PBA,” said Marcial. “Tulung-tulong tayong lahat para sa bayan.”
Only Justin Brownlee and Carl Tamayo were not present last Friday. Brownlee had stomach trouble while Tamayo flew in from Korea that day. Everyone else from the 12-man pool plus reserves Japeth Aguilar, Mason Amos and Ange Kouame were in attendance. Kai Sotto showed up with a full beard. Brownlee and Tamayo checked in yesterday morning.
“No practice players in camp,” said Gilas assistant coach Richard del Rosario. “As for AJ Edu, no structural damage in his knee (but) we’re just being cautious because of his history with injury. Still hoping that he can recover in time.” Edu and Sotto went down in their last Japan B-League games last Saturday. Edu hurt his knee while Sotto suffered a slight concussion. Sotto will be good to go once he clears concussion protocols. Gilas is preparing to face New Zealand on Nov. 21 and Hong Kong on Nov. 24, both at the MOA Arena, in the next window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.