Chot awaits pro aces eyed for Gilas squad

MANILA, Philippines - For national coach Chot Reyes, the waiting game is on.

This is with regards PBA players who are ready to accept invitation to join the national team competing in a Dubai international tournament in January.

“We invited them but we will only know if they’re joining if they show up for practice on Dec. 21,” said Reyes on his Twitter account.

Confined to choosing players from the six eliminated teams in the current PBA Philippine Cup, Reyes intends to form a mix of pro players and players from the Smart Gilas cadet pool.

Under the FIBA rules, new Fil-Am players are also ineligible to join the national team.

“Dubai is a tune-up tourney meant to find out who else can complement the core of the Jones Cup team plus preparation too for our cadet pool,” said Reyes.

Answering a fan query, Reyes said yes, Arwind Santos, Junmar Fajardo and LA Tenorio are in his wish list.

With Talk n Text, Alaska Milk, Rain or Shine and San Mig Coffee making the Philippine Cup Final Four, Jones Cup heroes Larry Fonacier, Ranidel de Ocampo, Mac Baracael, Sonny Thoss, Jeff Chan and Gabe Norwood became unavailable for tour of duty in Dubai.

Globalport’s Gary David has also made known his intention to take a rest and pass up on the Dubai tourney.