NATIONAL coach Chot Reyes is taking in stride the manpower woes gnawing at Gilas Pilipinas anew.
“Alam naman namin na iyon, that he couldn’t make it,” Reyes said after University of the Philippines big man Carl Tamayo begged off in the fifth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers due to an ankle injury.
“Again, the reason why there is a pool is because we know that not everyone will be available,” he added.
After one final practice in the morning, the Filipino cagers left for Amman last night before they take on Jordan in Group E on Friday.
The nationals square off with Saudi Arabia also on the road on Nov. 14.
Aside from Tamayo, also ruled out of the squad are prized San Miguel Beer center June Mar Fajardo (throat) and guard Chris Newsome of Meralco.
Reyes emphasized the importance of his charges rising to the occasion.
“People are going to be injured, people are going to have other issues. So, we just go next man up,” Reyes said. “Whoever is available and healthy, those are the players who are coming with us.”
Brothers Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, along with their fellow Japan B. League mainstays Dwight Ramos and Bobby Ray Parks Jr., and prized 7-foot-3 center Kai Sotto banner the training squad.
Also making up the pool are PBA stars led by reigning MVP Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, and Jamie Malonzo of Ginebra, Roger Pogoy, Calvin Oftana and JP Erram of TNT, and Arvin Tolentino of NorthPort along with collegiate standous Ange Kouame of Ateneo, La Salle’s Kevin Quiambao, and Francis Lopez.
“If I’m part of the lineup, I’m happy to join. At the end of the day, it’s something I love to do, playing basketball. If they call me, I will represent the country for sure,” Kouame, a naturalized Filipino, said.
