Fajardo, Castro, Romeo, Abueva favored to lead Gilas pool

MANILA, Philippines – Reigning three-time PBA MVP awardee June Mar Fajardo, back-to-back FIBA Asia best point guard winner Jason Castro and reigning PBA scoring champ Terrence Romeo are tipped to lead a cast of 12 PBA veterans to be named Sunday as additions to the new Gilas Pilipinas training pool for the coming major FIBA tourneys.

Alaska Milk scrappy forward Calvin Abueva, Barangay Ginebra athletic center/forward Japeth Aguilar and Rain or Shine versatile player Gabe Norwood could also be on top of the list to be announced by the SBP officials before the Ginebra-Phoenix Fuel match Sunday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

SBP president Al Panlilio, chairman Sen. Sonny Angara and vice chairman Robbie Puno are expected to grace the affair where the 24-man Gilas training pool by returning Gilas coach Chot Reyes will finally be known.

The 12 PBA veterans will be added to the initial Gilas roster composed of Mac Belo, Matthew Wright, Ed Daquiaog, Mike Tolomia, Roger Pogoy, Carl Bryan Cruz, Kevin Ferrer, Russel Escoto, Jio Jalalon, Arnold Van Opstal, Von Pessumal and Al Gotladera.

The new additions were culled one each from the 12 PBA ball clubs.

Reyes’ other choices could be Paul Lee from the Star Hotshots, JC Intal from Phoenix Petroleum, Jonathan Grey from Meralco, Bradwyn Guinto from NLEX, Alex Mallari from Mahindra and Arthur dela Cruz from Blackwater.

Fajardo, Castro, Romeo, Abueva, Aguilar, Norwood, Lee and Intal are eight players with previous Gilas stints. Those who have played in the Philippine team under Reyes are Fajardo, Castro, Aguilar, Norwood and Lee.