THE Europe-bound Gilas Pilipinas team braces for a grueling three-week training camp.
Following a solid set of tune-up games against Iran this past week, Gilas Pilipinas now looks forward to an even tougher road ahead as it will now focus on getting better in Greece and Italy.
The 14-man Gilas Pilipinas pool headed for Europe consists of Andray Blatche, June Mar Fajardo, Jayson Castro, Terrence Romeo, Calvin Abueva, LA Tenorio, Ryan Reyes, Marc Pingris, Japeth Aguilar, Jeff Chan, Gabe Norwood, Ray Parks, Ranidel De Ocampo and Troy Rosario.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President and team backer Manny V. Pangilinan wished the national team all the best as it continues its preparation for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament this July 5 to 10, knowing how tough the training will be for Gilas heading to the big tournament ahead.
“Safe journey to our Gilas Team. Tough training ahead for 14 unselfish men who love their country truly. Godspeed,” said Pangilinan in his Twitter account.
National team coach Tab Baldwin wants his team to drastically improve and address the remaining holes in its current level of play.
“We still would like to address a lot of things at camp and we’re looking forward to reach our potential. This stay in Europe will help us a lot and allow us to discover ourselves and what we can bring to the table,” said Baldwin.
Gilas Pilipinas will have scheduled practices and scrimmages against local clubs in both mentioned countries.
Upon its return, it will have one last tune-up game on July 1 against Turkey at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, where the Manila leg of the OQT will be held.
Prior to the team’s departure, Baldwin gave his wards a day off last Thursday as he knows it will be a long stretch for the team given the intensity of the training ahead.
Last Wednesday, Smart Gilas worked its way to an 81-70 triumph over Asian rival Iran at the Araneta Coliseum in its first public appearance in a game.