By REYNALD MAGALLON
Gilas Pilipinas remained in high spirits despite the early injury setbacks and the looming tough grind away from home when it leaves for Estonia on Thursday night, June 22, according to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio.
The basketball chief, who also held a lunch meeting with some members of the team on Wednesday, June 21, said the Nationals were upbeat and excited as the preparations for the 2023 FIBA World Cup go full swing.
“Everybody is excited. When I spoke to them sa Meralco Gym, they know this is not only for the country, but also for the name on the back that they carry, a very rare opportunity for us to host a World Cup,” shared Panlilio, recalling his visit to the Gilas practice when it first convened after winning back the 32nd Southeast Asian Games gold.
“As I said 1978 pa tayo nag-host and hindi naman natin alam kailan uli tayo magho-host and everybody will remember who these players are,” he added.
Panlilio also lauded the players for their sacrifice and their commitment to the national team even though there’s no assurance whether they will be included in the final 12.
“They sacrifice their time, themselves to be part of the journey. Everybody is in good spirits. They are all vying to be part of the lineup. They also know that they are doing this for the country malineup man sila o hindi, everybody is happy to contribute,” he added.
Gilas wrapped up its training at the Inspire Sports Academy on Tuesday after spending the last four days of their practice, trying to help the players, who were mostly coming off breaks and vacations, to get back into game shape.
The 13 players present at the Calamba Camp – namely June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Scottie Thompson, CJ Perez, Chris Newsome, Jamie Malonzo, Thirdy and Kiefer Ravena, AJ Edu, Rhenz Abando and Dwight Ramos.
Other members of the pool, who are injured and couldn’t participate in the camp like RR Pogoy, Calvin Oftana and Ray Parks, are also unlikely to join the team in the Europe trip.
Justin Brownlee on the other hand will be going straight for Estonia and will just meet the team there.
