FANS GET A GLIMPSE OF GILAS VS PBA ALL-STARS
A GAME that Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes said is a mere treat for the fans could turn out to be something more when the Nationals take on the PBA Stars Wednesday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Set to start promptly at 7 p.m., the match gives the public a chance to see for the first time Reyes’ final 12-man roster gearing up for the FIBA Asia Championship hosted by the country Aug. 1 to 11 at the same Pasay City venue.
“This is for the fans,” said Reyes, adding the game should help make up for the two teams’ scheduled tour in such cities as Cebu and Davao this month that was scrapped when Gilas had to hastily look for other overseas stints when its Jones Cup participation was denied.
“The game versus the PBA All-Stars is not for any tactical or strategic workout,” explained Reyes. “It is to make up for the lost tour and give the fans a treat.”
The Nationals ultimately got their last overseas training in New Zealand last July 9 to 18 and a glimpse should be had of their readiness to finish among the top three in the FIBA Asia and thus make it to next year’s World Cup.
Another exhibition game is set Friday, one with more bearing since it will be against Kazakhstan, a continental championship participant.
“Wala tayong ka-alam-alam sa Kazakhstan, so that game will just be for scouting,” said Reyes.
The Kazakhs will also be doing the same since Marcus Douthit, Jimmy Alapag, Jayson Castro, Ranidel De Ocampo, Larry Fonacier, Jeff Chan, Gabe Norwood, LA Tenorio, Japeth Aguilar, Gary David, Marc Pingris and June Mar Fajardo will be playing for the first time as a unit on local shores.
The game should also help improve Gilas’ cohesion. “We’re about 80 to 85 percent there,” said Reyes.
First things first.
Jayvee Casio, Calvin Abueva and Cyrus Baguio of Alaska, Arwind Santos and Alex Cabagnot of Petron Blaze, Chris Tiu and Paul Lee of Rain or Shine, Peter June Simon, Mark Barroca, and Joe Devance of San Mig Coffee, KG Canaleta of Air 21, Jay Washington of GlobalPort and Chris Ellis of Barangay Ginebra comprise the PBA selection coached by Franz Pumaren.
In last May’s PBA All-Star Weekend in Digos City, Reyes’ Gilas pool and practically the same PBA selection, minus Washington, battled to a standoff.
Due to injuries, Douthit and Alapag did not play then, however, and it was the Nationals’ first game together.
It could be drastically different this time.
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