FILE–Chris Ross during the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Chris Ross, a nine-time PBA champion and a member of the famed Gilas Pilipinas squad that won it all in the Southeast Asian Games here nearly four years ago, will be skippering the 12-man crew tasked to reclaim the basketball gold in Cambodia next week.
National coach Chot Reyes revealed Ross’ appointment on Saturday after their final practice at Meralco Gym in Pasig City, just hours before the contingent jets for Phnom Penh.
“It’s an honor, it’s a privilege and I don’t take these things for granted. I don’t get many opportunities. So whenever I am called—whether it’s playing or helping coach … I’ll help” said Ross, who could very well typify this edition of Gilas that will lean heavily on defense.
Ross said that he is liking this crew’s chances in the biennial meet, where beefed-up enemies are waiting to snare Gilas—an optimism steeped in cautiousness.
“I mean the goal is to win gold. We’ve been really working hard these past two and a half weeks, building team chemistry, building camaraderie, and getting used to each other. We like our chances,” he said while alluding to Gilas’ five-day camp at Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna.
“But we know that these teams are not just gonna lay down,” he went on. “All these guys are ready for the challenge and we can’t wait to get started.”
Gilas huddled one last time at Meralco Gym in Pasig City on Saturday, before its flight for Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where it will try to reclaim the gold medal in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games. | Denison Rey Dalupang/PDI
Joining Ross are Marcio Lassiter and Christian Standhardinger who were both members of the golden squad that blew opponents out of the water during the 2019 homestand. And of course, Justin Brownlee, the indefatigable naturalized forward who is shaping up as the tip of the Gilas spear once battle unfurls on May 9.
Likely cracking Gilas’ Final 12 are Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, CJ Perez, Calvin Oftana, Chris Newsome, Mason Amos and Michael Phillips.
Also in consideration are Aaron Black, Arvin Tolentino, Ben Phillips, and Jerom Lastimosa, who will all join the trip to the Cambodian capital.
The Philippines will first battle Malaysia. It then plays the host before wrapping up its Group B campaign against Singapore. Finishing in the top two will send Gilas to the crossover knockout stage, where it could meet 2021 conqueror Indonesia, or rising power Thailand.
Gilas bowed to Timnas, 85-81, in the gold medal finalé Vietnam edition of the basketball competition, ending a reign that spanned 33 years.
None from that ill-fated crew that lost in Hanoi will be seeing action in this campaign.
