Gilas out to win Jones Cup

Gilas Pilipinas bound for SEA Games. Photo by Mark Giongco

The Jones Cup may just be part of the Philippine team’s buildup for bigger tournaments ahead such as the Fiba Asia Cup but Gilas’ goal remains the same.

Winning is still the main objective of Gilas, which leaves for Taipei on Friday.

“Like any other endeavor, there is only one objective and the objective is to win,” said team manager Butch Antonio during Gilas’ sendoff party Wednesday at Bar One inside Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria in Pasig City.

“The Jones Cup is one step moving forward for the program. Our goal is to win just like any other tournament,” Kiefer Ravena, one of the youngest players on the team at 23, echoed.

The competition runs from July 15-23 and the team with the best record ends up as champion.

Gilas opens its bid against Canada on Saturday.

“Right of the bat, we don’t know Canada. They will be big, they will be athletic. Our players will be tested and they don’t have the experience facing players like Canada but we just want to show character,” said Gilas assistant coach Josh Reyes.

Gilas is boosted by American import Mike Myers.

Joining Myers and Ravena are Mac Belo, Matthew Wright, Jio Jalalon, Kobe Paras, Carl Cruz, Mike Tolomia, Kevin Ferrer, Fonso Gotladera, Roger Pogoy, Raymar Jose, Von Pessumal, Ed Daquioag, Chris Standhardinger, Almond Vosotros and Ray Parks, who is a late addition to the 17-man roster.

“We took the players who will really fit the system and more importantly the players who will fully commit to the program. I believe these players are really committed,” Reyes stressed.