Gilas Pilipinas resumes training camp in Calamba

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

Gilas Pilipinas is ready to pick up where they left off after Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) program director coach Tab Baldwin confirmed they are ready to resume their halted training.

After almost three weeks of training hiatus after the government re-imposed the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) due to the sudden spike of COVID-19 cases, the collegiate-studded roster is now back to train at full strength.

Gilas will again enter the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna headed by naturalized player Ange Kouame and Gilas special draftees Isaac Go, Rey Suerte, twins Matt and Mike Nieto, Jordan Heading, William Navarro, Tzaddy Rangel, and Jaydee Tungcab.

Reinforcing the usual Gilas selects are Dwight Ramos, Justine Baltazar, Javi Gomez de Liano, Dave Ildefonso, Kemark Carino, Carl Tamayo, RJ Abarrientos, Lebron Lopez, SJ Belangel, Gian Mamuyac, Josh Lazaro, Chris Koon, Geo Chiu, Jason Credo, Troy Mallillin, and Kyle Ong.

Also, basketball teen sensation Kai Sotto will beef up the roster and join the squad in the team’s remaining international stints.

The PH national squad will have a busy schedule starting June as they will vie for a spot in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup tournament proper.

The following month after FIBA, Gilas will compete in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Belgrade.