Gilas starts FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers prep

Delivering a strong finishing kick will be the ultimate mission as Gilas Pilipinas rolls out its preparation for the third window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers on 20 and 23 February in Taiwan and New Zealand, respectively.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Erika Dy told DAILY TRIBUNE that Gilas will enter a training camp at the Inspire Sports Academy today before flying to Doha for a friendly series against Qatar, Lebanon and Egypt on Thursday.

They will be flying home on 17 February, a day before flying to Taiwan for the qualifiers.

“They will enter Inspire tomorrow, 11 February, and will get out on the 12th but they will have twice-a-day practice sessions and the usual film viewings and team meetings to get the team together,” Dy said in a telephone conversation.

‘His knee is swollen.’

“After playing in Qatar, they will fly back here on the 17th before flying to Taipei the next day.”

Gilas will be entering the third window oozing with momentum after posting four straight wins in the first two rounds of the prestigious tournament.

They, however, will be walking wounded as 7-foot-3 slotman Kai Sotto suffered an acute cruciate ligament on his left knee while Troy Rosario remains doubtful after sustaining a knee injury while playing for Barangay Ginebra against Meralco in the recently-concluded quarterfinals of the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.

Even Dwight Ramos is doubtful after getting hurt while campaigning in the Japan B. League.

“His knee is swollen. According to our trainer, he is day-to-day,” Cone said, referring to the 6-foot-7 Rosario following the Kings’ series-clinching 94-87 win over the Batang Pier late Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

“He takes a break tomorrow, we go to Inspire, we will check him out in Inspire. But (the trainer) thinks he is going to be out for five to seven days minimum.”

“He is going to miss most, if not, all of Doha. We will see how it works out.”