Chot: Gilas is priority

MANILA, Philippines — Facing a possible conflict in schedule between the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers and the PBA Philippine Cup finals, TNT and Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes said country takes precedence over club.

Reyes’ Tropang Giga are set to defend their All-Filipino crown in a best-of-seven championship series beginning Sunday while his Gilas squad is slated to play Lebanon in Beirut on Aug. 25 and Saudi Arabia at home four days later.

“Gilas Pilipinas is the priority,” Reyes said in response to media’s query after TNT reached the Last Dance via 87-74 verdict over Magnolia in Game 6 of the PBA semis the other night.

While prepping TNT for its title defense against either Meralco or San Miguel Beer, Reyes is also in charge of the buildup of the beefed-up Gilas crew that was scheduled to open training camp yesterday.

The Philippine quintet will be bannered by Fil-Am NBA player Jordan Clarkson and towering Kai Sotto, who are expected to arrive in the coming days and join their brethren.

Aside from the duo, Reyes and his coaching staff that now includes Tim Cone tapped Japan-based players Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Dwight Ramos and Ray Parks and young guns Carl Tamayo, Kevin Quiambao and Francis Lopez for the pool.

Stalwarts from the 10 PBA non-finalists are also tipped to come on board for the matches against the Cedars and the Saudis.