By REYNALD MAGALLON
Questions about Gilas Pilipinas roster has been repeatedly thrown at head coach Chot Reyes, but as expected, he managed to dodge it and keep mum about any development to the Final 12.
It was the same scenario on Tuesday, Aug. 22 when he faced the members of the press after the team practice at the PhilSports Arena.
“It’s going to be submitted at the technical meeting tomorrow,” said Reyes when asked about the final lineup.
While Reyes remained tight-lipped about the final roster, Gilas’ attendance with just three days left before the 2023 FIBA World Cup, tell more answers to the question.
During the two-hour session, only 13 players were in attendance led by NBA star Jordan Clarkson and 7-foot-3 big man Kai Sotto.
Newly designated captain Japeth Aguilar and fellow world cup veteran June Mar Fajardo are also present along with Scottie Thompson, Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu, Rhenz Abando, CJ Perez, Chris Newsome, Jamie Malonzo, Kiefer Ravena and RR Pogoy.
Ray Parks, Thirdy Ravena and Calvin Oftana were not around in the practice session that is solely focused on hastening the team’s game plan against Dominican Republic on Friday, Aug. 25.
“13 ba? Basta we will submit in the technical meeting tomorrow,” said Reyes as reporters pressed him for details.
Whatever team that is formed and will be announced, Reyes stressed the players were chosen base on their fit to the system and to their teammates.
“Same thing. Fit,” said Reyes about the considerations when choosing the Final 12.
“Fit with the way we want to play and fit with each others’ style of play. More than anything, I guess it’s just the players that will give us the best chance to pull off,” he added.
