Gilas Pilipinas gamers William Navarro, left, and SJ Belangel throughout the nationwide anthem. Photograph by Fiba
MANILA, Philippines–Gilas Pilipinas Chot Reyes mentioned that RJ Abarrientos and SJ Belangel—two Filipino abilities plying their commerce in South Korea—stay an integral a part of the nationwide group program.
“All of (former) pool members are on our radar,” he mentioned in web-radio interview with Philippine Sports activities Commissioner chair Noli Eala on Saturday.
Abarrientos and Belangel, two varsity stars who determined to forgo their remaining years of eligibility within the UAAP, have been thriving within the Korea Basketball League. This has prompted a number of followers on-line to query why the pair weren’t included within the pool for the fifth window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
“For now, we need to go check out the fellows we’ve at present—the fellows training now,” he added.
Gilas Pilipinas has been training weekly, and most of the attendees are from the PBA. There are additionally a couple of coming from the collegiate ranks.
The expertise pool, which was launched by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas late Friday evening, additionally featured gamers now based mostly in Japan.
“Everyone knows what RJ can do, what SJ can do—all these guys. It’s simply the time to try the others. Personally, I’ve solely had two video games with Scottie (Thompson). Now we’re having CJ (Perez) within the combine as effectively. Whenever you do this, some guys should take a backseat within the meantime,” he mentioned.
“As a lot as we need to, we will’t afford to have everybody on the listing,” he mentioned.
The Philippines, 3-3 within the World Cup qualifiers, is about to determine in a pair of street video games. The Nationals battle Jordan in Amman on Nov. 10 (midnight of Nov. 11 in Manila time), after which play Saudi Arabia anew in Jeddah three days later.
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