June Mar Fajardo (C) of the Philippines jumps for the ball against Qatar during their men’s quarterfinal basketball match of the 2014 Incheon Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea on September 26, 2014. AFP
Reigning PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo headlines the list of pro players the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas wants to be part of the Gilas pool for its Fiba Asia Championship buildup upon the request of head coach Tab Baldwin.
The 6-foot-10 Fajardo is joined by fellow Gilas mainstays Jayson Castro, Marc Pingris, Ranidel de Ocampo, Gabe Norwood, Gary David and LA Tenorio in the 16-man pool.
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It’s an interesting mix of players with Asi Taulava at 42, rookie Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, former original Gilas member Aldrech Ramos and Barako Bull forward JC Intal also making it to the pool.
Most Improved Player Terrence Romeo, Aces’ trio of Sonny Thoss, Calvin Abueva and veteran sharpshooter Dondon Hontiveros and Talk ‘N Text’s Kelly Williams were also included in the list.
All the listed players have been permitted by their ball clubs to join the national team.
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Fajardo and Pingris, though, remain doubtful due to health issues and personal reasons, respectively while Tenorio had already taken himself out of consideration from another tour of duty also due to injury and drop in form. CFC