Calvin Abueva, Terrence Romeo return as Gilas begins Asian Games preps

Calvin Abueva and Terrence Romeo have been among the many acquainted faces who confirmed up on Monday in Gilas Pilipinas’ first observe in preparation for the Asian Games slated on September 25 in Hangzhou, China.

Abueva and Romeo, who will make their nationwide group responsibility comeback since their involvement within the notorious brawl towards Australia in 2018, participated within the coaching held on the Philsports Arena in Pasig City led by head coach Tim Cone.

Aside from the 2, additionally current have been naturalized gamers Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame in addition to holdovers June Mar Fajardo, Scottie Thompson, and Japeth Aguilar, all of whom performed for the Gilas within the recently-concluded 2023 FIBA World Cup right here.

Rounding out attendees are Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, Mo Tautuaa, Jason Perkins, and Stanley Pringle. Roger Pogoy, who was additionally a part of the World Cup squad, was within the venue however did not take part within the coaching session resulting from a medical subject.

According to Cone, Pringle is a reserve participant in case of accidents whereas additionally including that Abueva and Perkins’ inclusions are nonetheless awaiting approval from the Asian Games organizers.

“We still got Perkins and Calvin Abueva who are not 100 percent sure. They’re 100 percent sure to be on the team if they’re allowed to be on the team,” Cone mentioned.

“Yeah, this is our group. This is what we want to go with and we’re really keeping our fingers crossed with Jason and Calvin because these are two positions we don’t really have.”

“Those two guys, we don’t really have that three and four guy and if we can get them, that makes us more versatile.”

Gilas will proceed doing their every day coaching on the Philsports till Friday earlier than they depart for a coaching camp on the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna, which can run September 21. They will even determine in a tuneup recreation towards South Korea membership LG Sakers on September 22 right here.

Cone added that conducting co-practice with the Gilas Pilipinas Women is within the pipeline for his wards.

“And it’s not confirmed yet but we’re hoping to have a co-practice with the women’s Gilas team,” the veteran coach added.

“We want them to be involved, we want them to feel like we’re all part of this thing going into the Asian Games. We’re leaving for Inspire on Saturday and we’ll be there until the 21st.”

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News