All Gilas aspirants join 3-day cage camp

MANILA, Philippines - All 25 members of the Gilas Pilipinas pool, including those recovering from injuries, have confirmed attendance in the three-day training camp set by national coach Chot Reyes at Splendido Taal Golf Club in Tagaytay starting today.

Russell Escoto and Matthew Wright, who are both nursing  foot injuries, are joining the camp which serves as the kickoff of Gilas’ buildup for the SEABA Championship at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on May 12-18.

Activities in the three-day camp start at 7 a.m.

“It will be three full-day sessions with the usual practice and team-building orientations prepared by coach Chot. Those injured are excused from the activities with physical requirement,” said Gilas team manager Butch Antonio.

Practice sessions will be closed to media, but interviews will be allowed at a certain window period after lunch.

The basic fundamentals of the Gilas offense and defense, the goal and the expectation from the team will be tackled in the three-day camp.

Wright, Escoto, June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Paul Lee, Jason Castro, Troy Rosario, Calvin Abueva, Terrence Romeo, Raymond Almazan, Art dela Cruz, Bradwyn Guinto, LA Revilla, Norbert Torres, Jonathan Grey, Mac Belo, Ed Daquiaog, MikeTolomia, Roger Pogoy, Carl Bryan Cruz, Kevin Ferrer, Jio Jalalon, Arnold Van Opstal, Von Pessumal and Al Gotladera compose the pool the 25-man pool.

Also being considered is the participation of naturalized player Andray Blatche.

Team Phl must top the SEABA competition to qualify to the FIBA Asia Cup in Beirut late this year.

The FIBA Asia Cup in turn serves as the first part of the eliminator for the new FIBA format of competition leading to the 2019 World Cup in China.