Departure for Riga, Latvia
Gilas Pilipinas heads to Riga, Latvia, on Tuesday night for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament with an 11-man roster. Coach Tim Cone remains confident despite the last-minute exclusion of guard Scottie Thompson due to a bulging disc.
Coach Cone’s Confidence in the Team
Coach Tim Cone is unconcerned about the reduced roster. “I don’t feel we’re shorthanded at all. I’m not a guy who plays 11 or 12 guys anyway. I’m really an eight or nine-man rotation,” said Cone. The primary reason for having 12 players is to ensure enough participants for practice sessions.
Recent Performance and Strategy
During the recent send-off game against the Taiwan Mustangs, Gilas Pilipinas demonstrated their capability to perform with 11 players, securing a 74-64 win at the Philsports Arena. Justine Brownlee, a naturalized player, played the most minutes (34), while Mason Amos of Ateneo, a late addition, played the least (close to five minutes).
The Roster for the Tournament
The national team for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, scheduled from July 2-7, includes:
- Justine Brownlee (Naturalized player)
- Mason Amos (Ateneo)
- June Mar Fajardo (Seven-time MVP)
- Kai Sotto
- Carl Tamayo
- Dwight Ramos
- Chris Newsome
- CJ Perez
- Japeth Aguilar
- Kevin Quiambao
- Calvin Oftana
Preparations and Friendly Matches
Before arriving in Latvia, Gilas Pilipinas will stop in Turkey for a pair of friendly matches against the host country and Poland. These games will serve as valuable preparation for the team.
Coach Cone’s Optimism
Coach Cone emphasizes the strength and readiness of his 11-man squad. “I think we’re better off going 11 strong,” he said. “It’s not that big of a deal that we’re just 11-strong.”
Gilas Pilipinas is set to compete with determination and confidence in the upcoming Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Conclusion
Despite the last-minute roster change, Gilas Pilipinas is poised to compete fiercely in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Coach Tim Cone’s confidence in his team’s depth and versatility underscores their readiness. With a strategic approach and strong preparation, Gilas Pilipinas aims to make a significant impact in the tournament, showcasing their resilience and determination on the international stage.