Gilas cadets focused on SEAG buildup

TAIPEI – Thanks to the leeway provided by the PBA, Kiefer Ravena and nine other Gilas men here can now fully concentrate on their SEA Games preparation, and their experience here can go a long way.

The Jones Cup is a buildup for the Kuala Lumpur SEAG in the first place – not for the FIBA Asia Cup in Lebanon.

“When we planned this, we really meant the Jones Cup to be the preparation for the SEA Games,” Gilas coach Chot Reyes pointed out.

“Yung mga bata wala silang exposure (The Gilas cadets had no previous exposure in a major international tournament). With this kind of exposure and training, hopefully it helps them in the Southeast Asian Games,” Reyes said.

Except for Bobby Ray Parks and import Mike Myers, no Gilas player here had played in a men’s basketball championship beyond the Southeast Asian level.

The Jones Cup experience that ranged them against some powerhouse teams in the Asian region could well help them a great deal in the SEA Games where they will be up against lighter opponents in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.

“Malaking-malaki ang diperensya (There’s a big difference),” said Gilas assistant coach Jong Uichico of the level of play in the SEAG compared to the Jones Cup.

 Almond Vosotros, Kevin Ferrer, Mike Tolomia, Von Pessumal, Carl Bryan Cruz, Raymar Jose, Kobe Paras and Fil-German Christian Standhardinger are the other Gilas cadets bound for the KL SEAG on Aug. 19-30.

Reinforcement will be two PBA players in Troy Rosario of TNT KaTropa and Baser Amer of Meralco.

The core of the Gilas SEABA team takes the task in the FIBA Asia Cup on August 8-20, with the decision made by the PBA ball clubs Monday clearing June Mar Fajardo and company to render duty in the Lebanon meet.

“We are very thankful for that,” said the Gilas coach.