Lassiter still in talks with Gilas camp

Marcio Lassiter relaxes after practice. Photo by Randolph Leongson

Marcio Lassiter’s chances of making it to Gilas Pilipinas’ final roster is still alive.

Marvin Espiritu, Lassiter’s manager, said that the sweet shooting sniper can still join the national team in Europe if he gets a clearance from his doctor soon.

“Communication lines are still open with Gilas through (team manager) Butch Antonio. I think they are still assessing the timeframe on when is the latest that Marcio can follow once he gets clearance from his doctor,” he said in a text message to INQUIRER.net.

Antonio announced Gilas’ 14-man pool, which will fly to Europe for the team’s preparation for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in July here, early Thursday and Lassiter was the last to get cut.

All of the 13 players who saw action in the national team’s tuneup game against Iran on Wednesday were named in the pool, as well as shooter Jeff Chan who is nursing a groin injury.

National team head coach Tab Baldwin said shortly after Gilas’ close win to Iran and hours before the announcement  that Lassiter was still in consideration.

The San Miguel shooter only attended the daily Gilas practices twice before nursing his bronchitis.