ALTHOUGH the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup has been reset to next year due to the rising number of COVID-19 infections in Jakarta, Gilas Pilipinas continues its buildup when it battles Egypt today in the King Abdullah Cup at the Prince Hamzah Hall in Amman.
Gilas joined the King’s Cup to toughen up for the Asia Cup but the August 16 to 28 tilt was officially rescheduled last Friday.
“The FIBA Asia Cup will be played as planned in Jakarta, Indonesia, but is re-scheduled in July 2022, right after the window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asia qualifiers,” FIBA Executive Director-Asia Hagop Khajirian said in a letter to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
“This evaluation has taken into consideration multiple aspects such as current travel restrictions, the well-being of the participants, fan access and experience, and the objective of ensuring the highest quality of events.”
Naturalized player Angelo Kouame, Carl Tamayo, Isaac Go, Dwight Ramos, Geo Chiu, Jordan Heading, Justine Baltazar, Mike Nieto, RJ Abarrientos, SJ Belangel, and William Navarro lead the 15-man crew.
Making their return to the squad are Japan B.League Asian import Thirdy Ravena, and erstwhile injured players Matt Nieto, Rey Suerte, and Dave Ildefonso.
Left at home were Allyn Bulanadi, Tzaddy Rangel, and injured players Jaydee Tungcab and Kemark Cariño.
Gilas will battle Saudi Arabia tomorrow, Jordan-B on July 28, Tunisia on July 29, and Jordan-A on July 30.
