Gilas Pilipinas is focused on building momentum after their performance in the Olympic Qualifiers in Latvia. They’ll start training on Friday at Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna, with Coach Tim Cone leading practice sessions to refine their strategies. AJ Edu, who missed the previous tournament due to a knee injury, will be joining this lineup.
The team will have a six-day preparation window before they face world-ranked No. 22 New Zealand at the MOA Arena on November 21, aiming to continue their undefeated 2-0 streak in Group B. Following this game, they’ll play Hong Kong, a team they previously defeated 94-64, in a game they’re expected to dominate.
After competing for the PBA Governors’ Cup, Ginebra’s Justin Brownlee and Scottie Thompson will now join the national roster, along with TNT’s Calvin Oftana, overseas-based Dwight Ramos, Kai Sotto, and Carl Tamayo. Meanwhile, San Miguel’s June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, and Meralco’s Chris Newsome will be available after their East Asia Super League duties wrap up.
Brownlee, aiming to rebound from his recent finals loss to TNT, said, “Definitely still got a responsibility to go out there [and] fight for the country. And we got two tough opponents –New Zealand and Hong Kong.”
