The absence of ace scorer Terence Romeo will have a big impact in Gilas Pilipinas’ scoring options. That’s for sure.
But for some, Romeo’s absence is as an opportunity for others to shine and be noticed, too.
So when Gilas battles Japan tomorrow in the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament, expect other members of the team to explode, too.
One of the national team players ready to step up and provide the scoring punch is Matthew Wright.
A mainstay of Gilas since he made his debut last year, Wright said he’s ready embrace Romeo’s role if given the opportunity.
“I’ll go about it the same way I’ll go about it if Terence is here or anyone else is here,” said the 6-foot-2 Fil-Canadian forward. “I always put enough pressure on myself to perform (better).”
“I’m always ready and will always be ready,” added Wright.
Romeo has opted to skip national team duties because of a knee injury, leaving coach Chot Reyes with Wright, as well as fellow shooters Roger Pogoy, Allein Maliksi and guard Jayson Castro.
The absence of Romeo will give him and the others more opportunities to score from the perimeter and provide help to naturalized player Andray Blatche, the top offensive option of Gilas.
During the practice session of the national team, Wright said he is focused on improving his shooting.
“I’m aware there will be a lot more shots on me. So I always go to the gym and prepare for this kind of situation,” said Wright, a member of the Phoenix Fuel team in the PBA.
“Allein, Roger, and I… as well as Gabe (Norwood) and Jayson, we’ll all contribute, and fill up the void (in Romeo’s absence). Everybody will just have to up their level of play,” added Wright.
The national team plays Japan tomorrow in Tokyo, and will battle Taiwan on Monday here at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Also in Group B with the Philippines, Japan and Taiwan is Australia.
