Gilas picks Heading, Rangel, Tungcab

MANILA, Philippines — Alab Pilipinas duo Jordan Heading and Tzaddy Rangel along with Jaydee Tungcab are set to join the Gilas Pilipinas full-time training pool that’s geared towards the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Heading, a former Batang Gilas product, Rangel, a 6-foot-8 bruiser, and Tungcab, a 6-foot-2 guard who was supposed to play as an import in the Japanese B. League, were chosen as Gilas’ three picks in the talent-laden PBA Rookie Draft in March 14.

Two cadet prospects, Calvin Oftana of San Beda and Will Navarro of Ateneo, were also eyed to join the Gilas stable but declined the SBP’s offer. Instead, Oftana and Navarro, who saw action in the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in Bahrain, will take part in the regular draft and eventually play for the clubs that picked and signed them.

“We thank the three for their trust and commitment to the program,” Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio said in announcing the participants in the special Gilas round.

Meanwhile, TNT Tropang Giga continued to fortify their frontline as they picked up hulking Dave Marcelo from the free agency.

Marcelo, formerly of Phoenix Super LPG, signed a two-year contract, according to team manager Gabby Cui.

“Dave’s intimidating presence, outside shooting and solid defense will be of great help to the TNT Tropang Giga,” Cui said of their new acquisition.