Ross ready for Gilas call-up

If my name is called, I’ll be there. If not, I’ll be cheering just like everyone else

MACAU — San Miguel Beer Filipino-American guard Chris Ross doesn’t mind if his name is no longer part of the new pool of Gilas Pilipinas that will see action in the coming 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

And just like in the previous endeavors of the national quintet, he will support whoever the new SEA Games coach will name for the squad.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilpinas (SBP) submitted a new list of pool for the basketball competition of the biennial meet, which the country will host from 30 November to 11 December, and Ross’ name reportedly no longer there.

“Like I said before, if I’m in the pool great. If not, more power to everyone in the pool. I will be cheering as hard as if I wasn’t it. We’ll tackle it when the time comes,” Ross said.

“Whoever is in charge, I’m sure they will make the right decision for the program. It’s not in my control. All I can control is what I can control. If my name is called, I’ll be there. If not, I’ll be cheering just like everyone else,” he added.

Before Yeng Guiao stepped down as head coach of Gilas Pilipinas, Ross’ name was included in the 24-man pool for the SEA Games as he’s eligible to play as a local.

But Gilas Pilipinas’ disastrous campaign in the FIBA Basketball World Cup in China forced Guiao to resign, leaving the SBP to look for a new coach and form a new pool for the biennial meet.

Ginebra mentor Tim Cone is high on the list to call the shots for Gilas and he’ll work on the pool that the SBP submitted to the SEA Games.

According to the SBP, the pool is composed of amateur and professional players although the list is not yet final as they want the soon-to-be-named coach to have a say in the pool. The Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee has set 30 September as the deadline for entry by name.

Amateurs Kobe Paras, Kai Sotto, Justine Baltazar, Ricci Rivero, Thirdy Ravena and Isaac Go are reportedly in the SBP’s pool along with PBA players Christian Standhardinger and Stanley Pringle.

Ross, who is here competing in the East Asia Super League Terrific 12 tournament, thanked Guiao for considering him in the SEA Games.