GILAS. Gilas Pilipinas formally landed in Taipei, looking fit and ready to compete against the home team in the third window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers on Friday at the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium.
Naturalized player Andray Blatche and veteran international campaigners Jayson Castro and June Mar Fajardo spearhead the squad that is gunning for a win to gain momentum before facing dangerous Australia next Monday at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
Joining them were Gilas mainstays Terrence Rome, Calvin Abueva, Allein Maliksi, Matthew Wright, Jio Jalalon, Roger Pogoy, Troy Rosario, Japeth Aguilar, Gabe Norwood, Carl Bryan Cruz together with Baser Amer, who took the place of suspended guard Kiefer Ravena.
Also on board is the 22-year old Wake Forest University standout and Gilas cadet member Troy Rike.
Owing to a 3-1 record in Group B, the Philippines already secured a ticket to the next round but is keen on improving its slate for better chances in the carry-over format next round against Pool D leaders Iran, Qatar and Kazakhstan.
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Mentored by coach Chot Reyes, the Nationals are looking to duplicate their 90-83 win over the Taiwanese in the first window of the Asian Qualifiers last November at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
But Gilas’ mission would be easier said than done as the home team is seeking revenge to improve its 1-3 record.
Naturalized player Quincy Davis III is tasked to lead Taipei’s bid together with mainstays Chou Yi-Hsiang, Hu Long-Mao and Chou Po-Chen with Chou Chun-San serving as chief tactician.
Reyes will be holding a series of hard practices before formally announcing the 12 players who will see action in the crucial battle.
