NO rest for the weary as Gilas Pilipinas departed for Chinese Taipei for the final leg of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.
The team left Manila Tuesday afternoon, barely having a breather after arriving from Qatar Monday night fresh from its campaign in the 2nd Doha Invitational Cup.
Veteran big man Japeth Aguilar rejoins the team after missing the Doha campaign, where the Filipinos finished with a 1-2 record after suffering back-to-back losses against Lebanon and Egypt at the end of the three-game friendly.
LA Tenorio also came with the group as part of the coaching staff of Tim Cone.
Team manager Alfrancis Chua said the team had to work on a tight schedule in order to have the time to practice in Taiwan prior to its Feb. 20 showdown with the Chinese Taipei national team.
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Gilas is already qualified to the Asia Cup tournament proper this coming August, but is using the final window of the qualifiers as part of its preparation for the meet slated to be played in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The Philippines is staking its perfect 4-0 slate in Group B going to its game against the Taiwanese (1-3)
After Chinese Taipei, Gilas will travel to Auckland, New Zealand for its Feb. 23 rematch against the Tall Blacks (3-1).
Members of the Gilas team include Justine Brownlee, AJ Edu, Scottie Thompson, Dwight Ramos, CJ Perez, Chris Newsome, Carl Tamayo, Calvin Oftana, Kevin Quiambao, Mason Amos, Troy Rosario, and Jamie Malonzo.
Comprising the coaching staff of Cone are Jong Uichico, Richard Del Rosario, Sean Chambers, Josh Reyes, and Patrick Partosa.
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Along with Chua, who likewise serves as Gilas program project director, also with the national team is PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial. (RG)
