By REYNALD MAGALLON
High-flying guard and former Letran Squires Andy Gemao banners the Gilas Pilipinas Boys in their campaign in the FIBA U18 Asia Cup SEABA qualifiers which formally kicks off on Friday, July 19 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The 6-foot Gemao, who plays for Veritas Prep in the US and an alumnus of NBA’s Basketball Without Borders camp this year, is joined by some of the country’s top high school players in Gilas’ bid to get the lone ticket to the continental showcase.
The FIBA Asia U18 is set on Sept. 2 to 9 in Jordan with Asian powerhouses China, Japan, Iran, Australia and New Zealand already qualified.
With Gemao at the backcourt are Justin Hunter, Jericho Santos, Earl Medina and Carl Manding and Joaqui Ludovice who was fresh off Gilas Boys’ stint in the FIBA U17 World Cup in Turkey.
Calling the shots for Gilas is head coach Josh Reyes.
Manning the frontlines, meanwhile are 6-foot-7 Hans Castillejos along with Wilhem Carbonilas, Marc Burgos, Drei Lorenzo, Charles Esteban, and Mark Esperanza.
Gilas Boys open their bid against host Malaysia on the opening day on Friday, before taking on Thailand the next day on July 20. The Filipinos wrap up their schedule on Sunday, July 21 against Indonesia.
