Chris Newsome swears playing for Gilas Pilipinas is giving him the chance to ramp up another facet of his game.
The Filipino-American guard out of Meralco is so enamored being part of the team training for the 2023 FIBA World Cup that he hasn't missed a single workout.
"I'm more familiar now with the system of Coach Chot (Reyes) and even more familiar with the international basketball at how it is played, the physicality, the IQ level, the strategy, all those things that are happening in international ball that doesn't show in the PBA," Newsome told Daily Tribune.
"Those are the things I'm getting used to. I'm excited to keep going, keep learning and try to reach my full potential. This opportunity is not going to come every year. This is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so I've just got to make sure that I'll be as prepared as I can be and focus on myself first. The better I can be, the more I can offer for the team and help the country."
Owing to his commitment, Newsome has been given by Reyes the chance to shine again flowing his participation in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games last May in Cambodia.
Newsome is one of several other dribblers vying for slots on the team tasked to do the impossible during the 25 August to 10 September cagefest.
Also attending the training are Japeth Aguilar and fellow PBA stars Jamie Malonzo, Roger Pogoy, Calvin Oftana, CJ Perez, Poy Erram, Japan B. League stars Dwight Ramos, Ray Parks, Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Korean Basketball League sensation Rhenz Abando and newest pool member AJ Edu.
"I'm making sure that I'm available. If I'm not available, there's no chance to make the lineup," he said.
If ever Newsome will be included in the Gilas' final roster, he'll get an opportunity of playing again with National Basketball Association star Jordan Clarkson.
With less than a month to go before the FIBA World Cup, Newsome's objective is to stay healthy as injuries continue to hound the team.
Scottie Thompson, the PBA's reigning Most Valuable Player, has yet to recover from a fractured right ring finger and will be doubtful to join the FIBA World Cup, while naturalized player Justin Brownlee is being bothered by bone spurs on his foot that would require surgery.
Kai Sotto, who is back in town after playing in the NBA Summer League, is waiting for the doctor's clearance to play after suffering a back injury he incurred when the Orlando Magic played the Boston Celtics.
Carl Tamayo has been ruled out even before the training camp started because of a knee injury, while Jordan Heading won't be able to make the squad as well due to a back injury.
"Hopefully, everybody stays healthy and that's the main thing right now," said Newsome.
"Right now, I feel good. I think I'm definitely in good shape. I can run up and down and keep up pretty good. Right now I'm too blessed. The main thing in mind is for me to recover seriously and make sure my body recovers well after these workouts."
With this line of thinking, how can you leave Newsome behind?