Gilas 4.0 begins Olympic Qualifier buildup on Nov. 9

MANILA, Philippines -- Gilas Pilipinas’ 17-man pool will meet for the first time on November 9 to start its once-a-week practice as the head coach Tab Baldwin begins the national squad’s preparation for the Olympic qualifying tournament in July next year.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas top official Butch Antonio confirmed the schedule, saying Baldwin expects the players named to show up at the Meralco gym at 8 p.m.

“The schedule is Nov. 9, Monday so we’re looking at that schedule because next week, baka naka-bakasyon pa dahil galing sa Undas,” Antonio told Philstar.com on Wednesday.

Antonio, who also serves as SBP’s deputy director for international affairs, added that the ad-hoc committee composed of representatives from the PBA and the country’s governing basketball federation will be meeting some time next week to discuss the nitty gritty of the pool.

“Hinihintay lang naman mabuo ang lahat but we will meet with the ad-hoc committee next week para sa layout ng Gilas which is geared towards the qualifying tournament,” he added.

The pro league has named former PBA chairman Patrick Gregorio of Talk ‘N Text, Barangay Ginebra’s Alfrancis Chua, Atty. Mamerto Mondragon of Rain or Shine and commissioner Chito Narvasa to the ad-hoc committee.

Heading the star-studded cast in the 17-man national pool are two-time league MVP June Mar Fajardo and Barangay Ginebra star center Greg Slaughter.

Other PBA stars selected by Baldwin include LA Tenorio, Ian Sangalang, Japeth Aguilar and Marcio Lassiter, who all play in the teams owned by MVP’s rival group San Miguel Corp.

Also in the list are Rain or Shine gunners Paul Lee and Jeff Chan and Talk ‘N Text defense specialist Ryan Reyes.

On the other hand, holdovers from the silver-medal Gilas 3.0 national team in the recent Fiba-Asia men’s championships in Changsa are Marc Pingris, Matt Ganuelas Rosser, Troy Rosario, Calvin Abueva, Gabe Norwood, Ranidel de Ocampo, Jayson Castro and Terrence Romeo.

The soft-spoken SBP executive said members of the Gilas 3.0, who failed to make the 17-man cut are welcome to join the once-a-week practice.

“Everybody’s welcome naman to join the practice, but then, we also have to deal with their respective coaches. It should be done in close coordination with the coaches because the season is ongoing,” he added.