Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Their chances may be slim, but for some of the big men who were called up to be part of the 24-man pool for the 2016 Fiba Asia Challenge Cup, it’s already a huge honor being shortlisted and considered for the national team.
Fonso Gotladera, Yutien Andrada, Chris Javier and Carl Bryan Cruz, key role players during their college days, are among those who are fighting for spots in the national team.
“Napakalaking honor para sa akin. I’ve always wanted to play for our national team. The moment na tinawag ako, I really wanted to go there right away,” said Gotladera.
“Syempre sobrang honored na napili ako sa pool. First time ko mapasama sa national team pool at na-surprise talaga ako nung nalaman ko,” Andrada said.
They also admitted that the selection came as a surprise.
“Blessing din para sa akin yun eh kasi di ko in-expect na makakasama ako,” Cruz said.
“Unexpected talaga. I was shocked. Syempre, may pressure kasi ang mga players dun pag sinabing national team, top players agad,” said Javier.
It may still be surreal for them, but these guys will have to face the reality of them all being considered to don the national tri-colors.
Parading their wares in the PBA D-League, all four are seeking to make the most of the experience as they shoot for one of the final 12 spots.
But even if they don’t make it, they know that the experience will be huge for their careers as they hope to make a big splash in their respective bids in the coming 2016 PBA Draft.
“Feeling ko mahirap din makapasok,” said Cruz. “Malalim din yung lineup kahit undersized yung iba. But it still depends kila coach Josh (Reyes) kung sino ang pipiliin nila.”
“Siguro para sa akin, dagdag sa stocks ko ito coming into the draft pero syempre I need to work hard at kailangan mas mag-ensayo pa ako,” said Javier.
Andrada is looking at this Gilas stint as a stepping stone as he hopes to make a comeback to the PBA after a brief stint with Phoenix.
“Gagawin ko lang best ko,” he said. “Kahit di man ako mapasama sa final lineup para sa huli, di rin ako magsisi.”
Regardless of the end result, all four are in it to help in building a competitive Gilas squad which will see action in Iran from Sept. 9 to 18.