FIBA World Cup qualifiers next for Gilas

Preparations start Monday

JAKARTA – With the Philippines still to face Syria in a battle for fifth in the 18th Asian Games here tomorrow, coach Yeng Guiao and his staff are already mapping out plans for the coming September window of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

In fact, they’re trying to book a flight home right after their game against Syria as they’re to start Monday their preparation versus Iran in Tehran on Sept. 13 and against Qatar in a closed-door game at home on Sept. 17.

Team Phl is also set to battle Kazakhstan in the second round of the WC qualifiers where the Nationals are now grouped with Australia, Japan, Iran, Qatar and Kazakhstan.

While helping out Guiao in all their Asiad games, former PBA coach Ryan Gregorio, Ford Arao and Ricky Umayam are also tasked to scout the Iranians, the Qataris and the Kazakhs.

“We did the scouting already. Our coaching staff is advanced on its task,” said Guiao, with a chief deputy in Rain or Shine head coach Caloy Garcia.

Guiao, tapped to take over from suspended Gilas coach Chot Reyes, said all 12 PBA players here, including reserve Don Trollano, would be highly considered for the team to the FIBAWC qualifiers.

But the fiery national mentor has hinted at tweaking the lineup a bit especially as all PBA players would be available for the September FIBA window.

The PBA Governors Cup will take a break to give way to Team Phl’s games against Iran and Qatar.

Out are Andray Blatche, Calvin Abueva, Terrence Romeo, Jayson Castro, RR Pogoy, Troy Rosario, Matthew Wright, Japeth Aguilar, Carl Bryan Cruz and Jio Jalalon who were suspended in the aftermath of the Gilas-Australia brawl last July. June Mar Fajardo is also out due to an injury.