TNT players are ready to play for flag and country anew.
Speaking in last Tuesday’s online Philippine Sportswriters Association forum, returning Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes said his charges, set to bolster the national team training pool for the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers, are willing to take the risk.
“I talked to the TNT players and said that this is part of their job as professional Filipino basketball players. It should not be a case of either-or. It has to be an integration,” Reyes said.
“This is part of their bigger call to serve the country. This is a risk but that’s the price we’re willing to pay,” he added.
The likes of Tropang Giga star playmaker Jayson Castro, Roger Pogoy, Troy Rosario, JP Erram, Kelly Williams, Ryan Reyes, and newly acquired Carl Bryan Cruz and Matt Ganuelas-Rosser have seen action for Gilas in the past.
The PBA board of governors gave the green light last week for Reyes to field the core of reigning Philippine Cup champion TNT for the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers behind closed doors at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“I would say that I am pleased. We had four practices so far but what we are seeing is very encouraging. But while we are very pleased, we are still very cautious about everything because the actual match is different from the practices,” Reyes said.
“The competition will be different. But in terms of effort, engagement, and participation from the players, I’m speechless.”
As co-host next year, the Filipino cagers have already gained a slot in the World Cup.
Gilas will clash with South Korea on Feb. 24 and 28, India on Feb. 25, and New Zealand on Feb. 27.
