Returnee Lassiter confident Gilas can make good push for Olympics

Marcio Lassiter talking to Gilas head coach Tab Baldwin. Photo by Mark Giongco

Marcio Lassiter, one of the deadliest snipers in the PBA today, is shooting for a spot in the national team which will compete in the wild card qualifiers for the Rio Olympics in July next year after begging off from the previous two training camps.

Lassiter, an original member of Gilas Pilipinas, is embracing a second shot at donning the country’s colors.

“It’s truly an honor. I’m just blessed with the opportunity I’m in with these 17 great players,” said the San Miguel Beer swingman after the first Gilas pool training Monday night at Meralco gym. “It’s for the country and it’s something that speaks volumes. I’ve been here before and it’s just a great opportunity.”

The Philippines missed out on an outright Olympics berth after losing to China in the gold medal match in the 2015 Fiba Asia Championship last month.

The Filipinos get a final crack at it in the wild cards but it will be a daunting task considering the kind of competition Gilas will be facing.

But Lassiter has faith that the mission is achievable especially with the country fielding in the best of the best this time as the PBA and its ball clubs committed their full support by giving all their players the green light to join the national team pool.

“The players that we assembled are great players. I have confidence in all of us and in the coaching staff and I’m sure everyone has confidence. First day was a very productive day. If we continue to put more productive days I think we can make a good push for the Olympics.”