Nationals resume training

MANILA, Philippines — It’s back to work for Gilas Pilipinas after being forced to break camp last month amid the surge in COVID-19 cases and the imposition of stricter quarantine classifications.

The youth-laden Gilas pool will return to the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna today to resume its bubble build-up for the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers and the FIBA Olympic Qualification Tournament. The pool had previously spent three weeks in the “Calam-bubble” but moved out after Laguna was placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) last March 29 along with areas collectively called “NCR Plus.”

Gilas is taking advantage of the IATF’s recent decision to allow the continuation of the “Olympic Training Bubble in Calamba” even if Laguna continues to be under modified ECQ status.

Program director Tab Baldwin and coach Jong Uichico seek to make the most of this opportunity to get the young guns battle-ready for the Asia Cup Qualifiers set June 16-20 in Clark and the succeeding OQT in Serbia slated nine days later.

Gilas draftees Isaac Go, Rey Suerte, Mike and Matt Nieto, Jordan Heading, William Navarro, Tzaddy Rangel and Jaydee Tungcab and naturalization prospect Angelo Kouame banner the all-cadet pool.

Dwight Ramos, Dave Ildefonso, Justine Baltazar, Javi Gomez de Liano and Kemark Carino, among others, are also on board.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and team officials are arranging the participation of teen star Kai Sotto, who recently signed up with National Basketball League club Adelaide 36ers in Australia while reiterating his commitment to Gilas.