Gilas Pilipinas in high-spirits, arrives in China for Asian Games

Gilas Pilipinas huddles after beating Changwon in a tuneup game at PhilSports Arena.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

HANGZHOU, China – Gilas Pilipinas finally arrived for the 19th Asian Games, bearing with it a positive mindset despite facing tremendous adversities prior to its departure.

Coach Tim Cone and his 12-man crew checked in at the Hangzhou International Airport Sunday afternoon following their six-hour flight from Manila.

Not wasting precious time, the team did a light workout shortly after a brief rest upon arrival in a bid to further stabilize the integration of late additions Kevin Alas, Chris Ross, Marcio Lassiter, CJ Perez, and Arvin Tolentino to the team.

Gilas Pilipinas during a tuneup game against the Changwon Sakers.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Cone was grateful for the time and services Calvin Abueva, Terrence Romeo, Mo Tautuaa, and Jason Perkins spent training with Gilas Pilipinas, but likewise, is appreciative of the effort extended by the five new players despite joining the team on short notice.

“They understand it’s for the country. So they’ll do whatever it takes. And so we’re very appreciative of those guys coming in,” said the national coach.

Completing the team are June Mar Fajardo, Justin Brownlee, Japeth Aguilar, Ange Kouame, Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, and Scottie Thompson.

The case involving Perez and Co. as late inclusions though, is still pending with the Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee (HAGOC) heading to the team’s first game against Bahrain on Tuesday.