Almazan gets invitation from Baldwin to join Gilas training

Raymond Alamazan. PHOTO by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Raymond Almazan’s performance so far in the 2016 Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup has not gone unnoticed as he even got an invite from national team coach Tab Baldwin to join the Gilas practices.

After Rain or Shine’s 104-89 win against TNT on Monday, Baldwin himself approached the former Letran Knight to extend his invitation.

“He said he’ll try to get me,” recalled Almazan, still on a high after helping the Elasto Painters advance to the semifinals behind his 15-point, 10-rebound, and 3-block performance, in Filipino.

He continued, “I just said, ‘It’s my pleasure, coach, to play for the country.’Just one call, I’ll be there. Every player, that’s the dream. If you say no to that, you’re stupid.”

Baldwin has been looking for warm bodies to join the weekly Gilas Pilipinas Monday practices since November. With the training right smack in the middle of a tough Philippine Cup, the American-Kiwi mentor had to make do with whoever player attends the practices, giving leeway for players who are coming off of games and are nursing various injuries.

Absences in the national team training has already forced Baldwin to tap cadets Kiefer Ravena, Kevin Ferrer, and Mac Belo to join the Monday practices.

If it pushes though, Almazan’s addition will be a shot in the arm for the Nationals. The third year big man has been averaging 11.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in just 24 minutes for Rain or Shine this conference.

The 26-year-old admitted that he was surprised with Baldwin’s invitation, but assured that he’ll be more than ready if he gets the call.

“I was so happy and surprise as well,” said Almazan. “I just told him, ‘Just call me, coach.'”