Preparations for the 2023 FIBA World Cup are underway, although the Gilas Pilipinas has yet another test peering in the distance. The 32nd Southeast Asian (ASEAN) Games inherits a redemption arc as the national squad looks to reclaim the crown from the previous year’s finals defeat. In foresight, there is no doubt of the SBP’s commitment to prevail on the regional stage, though the crosshair has been primarily set on FIBA World Cup reigns.
Slated with experience, the preliminary pool of Gilas Pilipinas consists of both local-professional and amateur players. Generational Filipino cagers continue to seep into international waters, providing depth in size with the possible addition to the FIBA World Cup lineup.
“To be very honest, for me, my focus really is the (FIBA) World Cup. That's really the big tournament that we need to be prepared for. But then, the SEA Games is a great opportunity for us to continue improving the World Cup team”, Reyes tells ESPN.
Photo caption: Gilas’ preparations for the 32nd ASEAN Games are underway from SBP
Reyes sticks to the script with his previous announcement of negating the possibility of securing local B.League athletes for the ASEAN Games with the season’s commencement in May and professional tournaments overseas. Unlike the FIBA World Cup and its qualifiers, the ASEAN window may not observe the same flexibility for international pro leaguers, needing a green light from their respective clubs.
Despite the rather “incomplete” bunch, the former-TNT Tropang Giga head coach notes the constant progression of the team, yet he deems its structure is “far off” from the intended goal. Conscious baby steps are in the works in preparations, noting that the decision of a 28-man pool is due to scheduling conflicts and injuries.
“Because, in my experience, there's always going to be situations like this, where you're going to get injuries, somebody will get into an accident, somebody will be suddenly unavailable,” Reyes mentions.
LOOK | The Gilas Pilipinas begin preparations to take the gold back in the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia. @News5PH @onenewsph @OneSportsPHL pic.twitter.com/3cwZwydMoe
— Martie (@martie_bautista) April 17, 2023
Noting the country’s participation in the prestigious 2023 FIBA World Cup extends the invitation to Filipinos committed overseas, vastly improving the outlook and potential of the squad. The possible re-introduction of Gilas Youth pillar AJ Edu to the men’s ASEAN games roster provides much size in the paint—with six-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo. NBA star Jordan Clarkson (Utah Jazz), Kai Sotto (Hiroshima Dragonflies), and several B.League and KBL professionals are available candidates as well for the world stage.
SBP president, Al Panlilio, promises “nothing but the best is expected” for the Cambodian-bound squad, as Chot Reyes regards the tournament as another stepping stone in preparation for FIBA World Cup play.
