Gilas kicks off campaign with closed-door camp

Philippines vs France in a FIBA OQT match at Mall of Asia Arena. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

The newest iteration of the Gilas Pilipinas opens its buildup with a closed-door training camp this month.

National team coach Chot Reyes announced the news on his Twitter account @coachot on Tuesday morning.

He wrote: “Gilas campaign officially kicks-off with 3-day training camp fr March 14-16 w all members of the national pool invited. #LabanPilipinas ❤🇵🇭”

June Mar Fajardo, Jayson Castro, and Calvin Abueva lead the 25-man strong pool where Reyes will draw the roster for the 2017 Seaba Championships in May.

Also expected to join the training camp in Tagaytay are Terrence Romeo, Paul Lee, Japeth Aguilar, Raymond Almazan, Troy Rosario, Art dela Cruz, Jonathan Grey, Bradwyn Guinto, LA Revilla, and Norbert Torres.

Rookies Mac Belo, Jio Jalalon, Kevin Ferrer, Roger Pogoy, Ed Daquioag, Carl Bryan Cruz, Mike Tolomia, Von Pessumal, Arnold Van Opstal, and Fonzo Gotladera also get their first stint together with the PBA veterans.

Injured cadets Matthew Wright (knee) and Russel Escoto (knee) are expected to appear but not participate, while naturalized big man Andray Blatche remain with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers in the Chinese Basketball Association.

The Gilas 5.0 is preparing for the regional tourney set on May 12 to 18 at Smart Araneta Coliseum, where it seeks a seat in the Fiba Asia Cup in Lebanon in August.