Chot Reyes and Gilas Pilipinas in China. –SBP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes asked for support from fans as the team buckles down for its final stretch of preparations for the Fiba World Cup hosted by the country.
The Nationals are down to their final two weeks in training for the global meet, where they will try to advance to the final phase to face the world’s best basketball teams here in Manila.
“All we ask from our countrymen is to continue supporting [Gilas]. We may not agree with some of the decisions we make, but in the end we have one nationality, united by blood,” Reyes said in an interview with One PH’s “Sa Totoo Lang.”
“I know that the road has not been easy and it’s been hard. There’s a lot of things that we didn’t expect but that’s life, not just in sports. Life is like that.”
Gilas Pilipinas will likely announce the Final 12 roster on the eve of the World Cup at the latest with the team practicing with a “15-strong” line-up right now, which includes Filipino-American NBA player Jordan Clarkson.
FILE – Gilas Pilipinas during a game against Senegal in China. Photo from K Channy’s Instagram
Reyes’ wards know that not all of them will make the final cut but they are still participating in tune-up games and pocket tournaments to showcase their skills in the hope of representing the country two weeks from now.
“We’re really trying to find a way but really, hats off to our players. Their commitment and dedication are extraordinary,” Reyes also said.
Clarkson is a shoo-in for the naturalized player spot.
Gilas Pilipinas faces tough competition in the group phase, playing against Angola, Italy and Dominican Republic, which will have NBA bigs Karl-Anthony Towns and Al Horford.
“Now more than ever, our players really need the support of our fellow Filipinos,” Reyes said.
Gilas will open its World Cup bid on August 25 at Philippine Arena against the Dominican Republic.