Gilas buildup for 2nd leg of qualifiers gets going

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

With the current national team pool in attendance, Gilas Pilipinas formally started its buildup for the second leg of the 2019 Fiba World Cup Asian qualifiers on Monday at Meralco Gym.

Four-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo showed up as he bannered the 11 men who took part in the session.

Also present were Gabe Norwood, Japeth Aguilar, Allein Maliksi, Troy Rosario, Kiefer Ravena, Kevin Alas, Jio Jalalon, Matthew Wright, and Carl Bryan Cruz.

CJ Perez of Lyceum and Abu Tratter of La Salle were the lone invitees from the “23-for-23” cadet pool who were present for the session.

Roger Pogoy also attended the training but was in street clothes.

Deputies Jong Uichico and Josh Reyes directed practice in lieu of coach Chot Reyes, who is currently in Japan for vacation.

PBA Officer-In-Charge Willie Marcial and deputy director for basketball operations Eric Castro also paid the national team a visit.

Gilas Pilipinas is gearing up for its game against Australia at Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne on February 22, before facing Japan again, this time at home at Mall of Asia Arena on February 25.