MANILA, Philippines – With barely two months before the FIBA-Asia tournament, Gilas Pilipinas finally came together as seen in a video highlight produced by Lithuania's basketball website Basketnewslt.
National team head coach Chot Reyes also bared that a four-part documentary of Gilas' Road to FIBA-Asia will be released soon.
"Sneak peek into Lithuanian camp made by our hosts. Stay tuned for a full 4-part series courtesy of PLDT Home/Fibr," Reyes posted on his Twitter accound late Wednesday night.
More than their 5-2 win-loss card that included two victories against Lithuania’s 20-under national team, the Nationals have achieved what head coach Chot Reyes had set out for the team before the trip – strengthen their bonds.
“It’s the first time that this team was together,†Reyes said. “This trip strengthened our bond and camaraderie and I think we achieved that.â€
Together, they endured 42 long hours flying back and forth and seven tune-up games aside from the twice-a-day practices, team building sessions and other activities for two weeks to achieve that chemistry.
“It was a good decision for us to go to Palanga because [in this place] we can concentrate in just playing basketball. The accommodation is top rate,†Reyes added.
The team arrived home late Tuesday and will resume practice tomorrow (Friday).
“We’re very grateful that despite that it’s the off-season [there], a lot of the clubs played us including the Lithuania 20-under national team,†Reyes said. “They gave us a very good competition.â€