Gilas begins buildup with closed-door practice

Chot Reyes. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Twenty-one days before the start of the 2017 Fiba World Cup qualifiers, Smart Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes is going down to business as he is set to hold his first practice session behind closed doors.

The outspoken mentor made the announcement on Friday afternoon as he begins his preparations for the pair of home-and-away games later this month.

“Yes we will practice but behind closed doors. No Gilas player/coach will grant any interview in the meantime. I hope you understand,” he wrote on his Twitter account @coachot.

Yes we will practice but behind closed doors. No Gilas player/coach will grant any interview in d meantime. I hope you understand #💪🇵🇭❤️

— Chot Reyes (@coachot) November 3, 2017

Players who were earlier named in the national team pool are expected to show up, especially those were part of the 2017 Fiba Asia Cup squad which finished seventh place in Lebanon.

Reyes is expecting a high turnout, especially with all 12 PBA teams giving the players the green light despite the impasse that has divided the Board of Governors in relation to the status of PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa.