Despite Gilas callup, Liwag sticks with NCAA

College of Saint Benilde big man Allen Liwag will remain with the squad despite being called up for Gilas Pilipinas in the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand.

Blazers head coach Charles Tiu told DAILY TRIBUNE that Liwag will remain in the country for Season 101 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament should they make it as far as the finals.

While he is proud of what the reigning Most Valuable Player has achieved, Tiu said the focus remains on his duties with the school.

Saint Benilde will be looking to even its best-of-three series in the semifinals as it faces San Beda University in Game 2 Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“We are proud of Allen and the strides he’s made as a player since joining Saint Benilde. Says a lot about his hard work,” Tiu said in a text message.

“But right now, we just have to focus and win Game 2 first. Otherwise, he will really be free to join the SEA Games team already.”

Liwag is one of the latest additions for Gilas as they gun for back-to-back gold medals in this prestigious biennial meet.

Tiu said he and Gilas head coach Norman Black have already discussed that in the event the Blazers make a return trip to the NCAA finals, Liwag will have to stay home.

“Well, it won’t really affect our campaign. It’s something I spoke about with Coach Norman even before,” Tiu said.

“He would let Allen focus on Saint Benilde and even follow to the SEA Games if we make it to the finals.”

While it will be Liwag’s first tournament in a Gilas jersey, he is no stranger to international competitions.

Liwag is a frequent member of Strong Group Athletics (SGA), a squad where Tiu also called the shots, and competed in the Dubai International Basketball Championship and the William Jones Cup.

He also had the privilege to learn from National Basketball Association stars Dwight Howard and DeMarcus Cousins during his SGA stint.