Gilas gearing up
Ahead of the games in the final window of the Fiba Basketball World Cup Asian qualifiers, the Philippine men’s basketball team will increase the intensity of their training by setting two days.
With a guaranteed spot in the tournament thanks to their status as hosts, Gilas Pilipinas will use the qualifying rounds to select their final roster. The Filipinos will face Lebanon on Friday, and on Monday, they will meet Jordan.
On Tuesday, training will happen twice a day.
The Philippines are currently in third place in Group E with a 5-3 record, behind Lebanon (7-1) and New Zealand (2-0). (6-2).
Tamayo out
CARL Tamayo has decided to sit out another Fiba qualifying round.
Injuries prevented the forward from playing for the Philippine men’s basketball team in November when he was eligible to do so as a student at the University of the Philippines.
Tamayo has declined to play for Gilas in the sixth and final qualifying window because he has signed a contract with the Ryukyu Golden Kings of the Japan B. League.
The B.League’s Hiroshima Dragonflies have also snagged outfielder Kai Sotto.
Ochuefu trains with Gilas
When the Gilas Pilipinas were shorthanded, TNT consultant Chot Reyes called on Daniel Ochefu of the Tropang Giga to serve as a practice player.
After the injury to forward Japeth Aguilar and the subsequent absence of Gilas’ younger bigs, coach Chot Reyes called up big man Christian Ochefu for practice.
East Asia Super League Champions Week will feature TNT’s Ochefu.
Ray Parks, brothers Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Jordan Heading, Dwight Ramos, Kevin Quiambao, Mason Amos, Jerom Lastimosa, and Schonny Winston were all present to train with Justin Brownlee, Scottie Thompson, CJ Perez, Calvin Oftana, Arvin Tolentino, Chris Newsome, and Raymond Almazan on Monday night.
PBA All-Star lineups
SCOTTIE Thompson drafted his Ginebra teammate June Mar Fajardo first overall, with Japeth Aguilar selecting Fajardo second.
Scottie’s squad came in second in the All-Star vote, but they got to go first because they flipped a coin first.
But after another coin flip, Team Japeth decided to go with Ginebra head coach Tim Cone. Yeng Guiao will coach Scottie on March 12 in Passi, Iloilo.
The players who made up Team Scottie are as follows: CJ Perez of San Miguel, Calvin Abueva of Magnolia, Robert Bolick and Arvin Tolentino of NorthPort, Kevin Alas of NLEX, Jayson Castro of TNT, Stanley Pringle of Ginebra, Marcio Lassiter of San Miguel, Mark Barroca of Magnolia, James Yap of Rain or Shine.
Jamie Malonzo of Ginebra, Chris Newsome of Meralco, Roger Pogoy of TNT, LA Tenorio of Ginebra, Mikey Williams of TNT, Paul Lee of Magnolia, Jeremiah Gray of Ginebra, Gian Mamuyac of Rain or Shine, Nards Pinto of Ginebra, and Terrence Romeo of San Miguel all joined forces to form Team Japeth.
Final Thoughts
The recent developments in the world of Philippine basketball, as highlighted in this article, are certainly exciting for fans of the sport. The upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian qualifiers and PBA All-Star festivities are both highly anticipated events, and it’s clear that the teams and players are gearing up for them with intense training and preparation.
It’s also interesting to note the various player movements and lineup changes, such as Carl Tamayo’s decision to sit out and focus on his contract with the Ryukyu Golden Kings and including Daniel Ochefu as a practice player for Gilas Pilipinas. These changes add an extra layer of intrigue to upcoming games and events.
Overall, the world of Philippine basketball is thriving, and it’s exciting to see the passion and dedication of the players and fans alike. The upcoming PBA schedule, games, and events are sure to be thrilling and full of excitement, and I look forward to following the progress of the teams and players.