Chot Reyes. (File photo from AFP)
Desperate to have a full lineup in his national team practices, Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes’ birthday wish was finally been granted when all the players named in the 2017 Fiba Asia Cup and 2017 Southeast Asian Games rosters showed up Monday at Meralco Gym.
Absent for the past sessions, Calvin Abueva made his long awaited return, much to the delight of the outspoken mentor who turns 54 on Tuesday.
“Got an early bday wish granted – our 1st complete practice!” he posted on his Twitter account with an accompanying video of the team doing the drills.
Also present for the session were Fiba Asia-bound players June Mar Fajardo, Jayson Castro, Terrence Romeo, Gabe Norwood, Japeth Aguilar, Jio Jalalon, Matthew Wright, Roger Pogoy, Raymond Almazan, Christian Standhardinger, and Carl Cruz.
Practice player Ed Daquioag was also in attendance.
The cadet-laden SEA Games crew also made their presence felt, with Kiefer Ravena, Ray Parks, Kobe Paras, Raymar Jose, Mike Tolomia, Almond Vosotros, Von Pessumal all present.
Mac Belo rounded out the set for the evening sessions.
Curiously, PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa also paid the national team a visit. /atm