Jalalon back in Gilas pool

MANILA, Philippines – Star Hotshots sophomore guard Jio Jalalon has been reenlisted in the Gilas Pilipinas pool that will be back in training on Monday in preparation for the second window of the FIBA Asia World Cup qualifiers set late next month.

Jalalon, who missed Gilas’ first two games in November due to an injury, is among 15 players named by coach Chot Reyes as the candidates for their games versus Australia in Melbourne on February 22 and versus Japan at home on February 25.

The other hopefuls are June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Raymond Almazan, Troy Rosario, Gabe Norwood, Allein Maliksi, Mac Belo, Carl Bryan Cruz, Jason Castro, Kiefer Ravena, Kevin Alas, RR Pogoy, Matthew Wright and Calvin Abueva.

One slot is allotted for naturalized player Andray Blatche.

Blatche, Fajardo, Aguilar, Rosario, Ravena, Norwood, Alas, Castro, Abueva, Pogoy, Maliksi and Wright made up the Gilas roster in their first two games versus Japan and Chinese Taipei. Relegated as reserves then were Belo, Almazan and Cruz.

PBA officer-in-charge Willie Marcial said all PBA board members gave their approval on the resumption of the Gilas training Monday.

“Coach Chot has been given clearance to resume their Monday practices. They’re free to hold their daily practices 15 days before the actual game,” said Marcial.

Gilas shares the early lead with Australia in Group B play as both teams swept their games in November.

The Nationals topped the Japanese, 77-71, then rolled past the Taiwanese, 90-83. The Aussies, meanwhile, smashed the Taiwanese, 104-66, then clobbered the Japanese, 82-58.