Gilas Pilipinas is set to intensify its training in preparation for the fifth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers next month.
Gilas head coach Chot Reyes formally informed the team that they will be holding practices from 31 October to 2 November while waiting for the arrival of Japanese B. League players like Thirdy and Kiefer Ravena, Dwight Ramos and Ray Parks.
The Ravena brothers, Ramos and Parks will be available starting 28 October.
“That’s the plan,” Reyes told Daily Tribune during their training on Monday at the Meralco Gym.
“We’re planning to do that if we have enough guys. We don’t know, when the arrival of players from Japan is. We’re planning to, hopefully, have three days on 31 October, 1 November and 2 November.”
The Philippine Basketball Association will resume its elimination round games on 4 November and Reyes hopes that players will be in full force before they leave for the fifth window on 7 November.
Gilas will take on Jordan in Amman on 10 November before facing Saudi Arabia in Dammam on 13 November.
Reyes presided over the Gilas training without Barangay Ginebra San Miguel import Justin Brownlee and naturalized player Ange Kouame.
Brownlee was said to be under the weather while Kouame was tied up with a previous commitment with Ateneo de Manila University.
But collegiate players Francis Lopez of Ateneo and Kevin Quiambao of De La Salle University showed up to join PBA stars who are religiously attending the weekly workouts.
Also in attendance was Meralco guard Chris Newsome, who participated after being sidelined by a contusion on his calf.
Newsome joined the light drills while working on his recovery from his injury.
“I can run, but I’m not allowed to do contract drills,” Newsome said.
“Jumping and the impact of falling down after the jump is something I’m avoiding right now, but I’m happy with the progress. I just want to be a part of this team any way I can whether as a member or a reserve or supporter.”
Aside from Newsome, also present were Ginebra stars Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar and Jamie Malonzo, Calvin Oftana, Roger Pogoy and Poy Erram of TNT, and Arvin Tolentino of NorthPort.
Reyes wants to take advantage of the long weekend and plans to inject practice sessions, hoping that he will have the training team in full force then.
“We can do it, because there’s no games. Other than that (period), we don’t have any more practices here because we’re leaving on 7 November for Jordan,” Reyes added.
