TOUGH GRIND STARTS FOR GILAS PILIPINAS
Two months before the World Cup in Spain, members of the Gilas Pilipinas pool gather Monday to start a serious buildup that, in a few days, sends them to a warm-up competition in Wuhan, China and later in a mini-invitational in Antibes, France.
Their immediate target is to perform well in the FIBA Asia Cup which could well be the launching pad of Paul Lee’s stint as an international player.
“Di ko guguluhin yong mga teams na lalaro sa (PBA Governors Cup) Finals. Pero gusto kong makita si Paul Lee in that situation. If it’s okay with him, gusto kong kasama siya sa lineup sa Wuhan,” said Gilas coach Chot Reyes.
“He has the tools but it’s hard to say because it’s not just the game that is an issue here. Gusto kong makita kung paano siya mag-respond sa araw-araw na laro, sa pace at yung reaksyon niya sa international game. Malayong-malayo kasi iyon sa laro sa PBA,” Reyes pointed out.
Being in the Finals, Gilas longtime mainstays Marc Pingris, Jeff Chan, Gabe Norwood and Beau Belga will be spared from the FIBA Asia Cup grind.
“Di ko sila guguluhin kahit sa ensayo dito. But they have to be present, not necessarily to join the practice,” said Reyes.
With the PBA season over the earliest by the weekend, Gilas could leave July 9 or 10 in time for the start of the Wuhan competition on July 11.
Team PHL plays Jordan, Singapore, Chinese Taipei and Uzbekistan in a one-round-robin in their group with the top two advancing to the cross-over semifinals versus the top two in Group A among China, India, Indonesia, Iran and Japan.
The Philippines was a losing semifinalist in the last FIBA Asia Cup in Tokyo, Japan in 2012.
From China, they return to Manila to prepare for an exhibition tiff against the Paul Pierce-led NBA selection.
By the first week of August, they step up their buildup with training sessions in Miami, Florida.
In Wuhan, the team is sticking it out with Marcus Douthit as naturalized player.
“Nahuli ang papel ni Andray Blatche. Hindi umabot for the Asia Cup,” said Reyes. (SB)
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