Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas still missed three of its key cogs when it resumed practice on Monday at Meralco Gym in Pasig City.
San Miguel Beer’s reigning five-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo and TNT standouts Troy Rosario and Roger Pogoy were still not around as the rest of the national team continued their buildup for the Fiba World Cup in China.
The three just finished their stint in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup where the Beermen beat the KaTropa in six thrilling games three days ago to claim their second title this season.
Gilas head coach Yeng Guiao on Saturday said he expected to have everyone on board for training but it remains uncertain as to why Fajardo and Co. were absent.
“Actually I thought they’re coming today,” Guiao told reporters after practice. “Perhaps they’re still tired. Maybe tomorrow (Tuesday) they’ll be here.”
Present in practice were Andray Blatche, Kiefer Ravena, Matthew Wright, Raymond Almazan, Japeth Aguilar, Beau Belga, Mark Barroca, Paul Lee, Poy Erran and young guns Robert Bolick and CJ Perez.