Nationals face Bolts in lone tune-up

MANILA, Philippines — Gilas will play PBA Philippine Cup champion Meralco this morning at the Inspire Sports Academy gym, Calamba in its only tune-up game before taking on New Zealand on Thursday and Hong Kong on Sunday, both at MOA Arena, in the second FIBA Asia Cup qualifying window. The national team will break camp after the Meralco tune-up which was initially set at 4 p.m. yesterday but postponed until 11 a.m. today.

Kai Sotto has been cleared by doctors to play after concussion protocols which he observed in the wake of a fall during a Japan B-League game last Saturday. AJ Edu, however, continues to undergo strength training and treatment. He will sit out the tune-up but depending on his recovery, could play in the window.

Meralco will take to the floor with 6-9 import Akil Mitchell who powered the Bolts to an 81-80 win over Busan in EASL at the PhilSports Arena last Wednesday. Mitchell had 33 points and 22 rebounds. His EASL import partner DJ Kennedy is on a 10-day break and won’t be available. It would’ve been a reunion for Kennedy with Justin Brownlee as they were two-year teammates at St. John’s University.

Gilas reserve Ange Kouame, who plays for Meralco in EASL, will reinforce the Bolts in the tune-up. “I think coach Tim (Cone) got him to mimic New Zealand’s size more than anything,” said Meralco coach Luigi Trillo.

Aside from Mitchell and Kouame, Meralco will line up Cliff Hodge, Aaron Black, Chris Banchero, Raymond Almazan, Anjo Caram, Bong Quinto, Jansen Rios, Alvin Pasaol, Toto Jose, Norbert Torres and Kyle Torres against Gilas. Still recovering from injury are Brandon Bates, Allein Maliksi and CJ Cansino. Meralco guard Chris Newsome will play for Gilas.

Gilas opened camp at Inspire last Friday and training has been every day. Brownlee and Carl Tamayo were the last to check in Saturday morning. Gilas’ 12-man pool plus reserves Japeth Aguilar, Mason Amos and Kouame are in complete attendance.