Cone open-minded on Gilas pool

MANILA, Philippines — Gilas head coach Tim Cone said yesterday while the direction is to keep the national pool intact, he’s not discounting the possibility of expansion. “No decisions have been made,” he said. “At this point, we will keep things intact but we’ll certainly stay open-minded.”

Jamie Malonzo may be ready for action in the next FIBA Asia Cup qualifying window against Chinese-Taipei on Feb. 20 and New Zealand on Feb. 23, both on the road. AJ Edu may also be reactivated. With Ange Kouame, the Gilas pool lists 15 players.

But an option to add Rhenz Abando looms. Abando’s agent Marvin Espiritu said the 6-2 spitfire is 100 percent ready and waiting for a call-up, if it happens. “They’ve reached out to check his availability,” said Espiritu, declining to disclose who “they” are. “Right now, we’re finalizing his contract to play for SGA in Dubai. After that, we’re still open to discussions.”

Abando, who has played in Korea, was in talks to join Japan B-League team Chiba Jets this season but negotiations fell through. Under B-League rules, a team may enlist either an Asian heritage import or naturalized player. Chiba had let go of naturalized player Ira Brown and considered to bring in Abando but instead, settled for 6-9 Chinese center Michael Ou of California State at Northridge.

Abando, 26, played for Gilas at the 2021 FIBA World Cup Asia qualifiers, 2022 FIBA Asia Cup and 2023 FIBA World Cup so he’s no stranger to national duties. “Rhenz is a two-way player and fits in easily with any system,” said Espiritu. “He’s staying in shape so when the call-up comes, he’ll be prepared. I can’t say yes or no if he’ll join the PBA draft. We’ll find out in August which is the signing period for overseas leagues. We’re studying alternatives at this point.”

Another possible addition to Gilas is Converge’s Jordan Heading who suited up for the national team at the 2020 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers, 2021 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament and 2021 FIBA World Cup Asia qualifiers. Heading, 28, averaged 10.2 points in six Gilas games.