Missing FIBA World Cup ‘hurts’ for Lassiter – report

For injured Gilas Pilipinas sharpshooter Marcio Lassiter, missing the opportunity to play in the 2019 FIBA World Cup, one of the grandest basketball stages, “hurts more than anything.”

Speaking to media members after Gilas’ 92-83 victory over Australian club team Adelaide 36ers in a closed-door tune-up, Lassiter said per Tiebreaker Times that not being able to suit up for the Philippines is disappointing.

“Knowing that when I started Gilas my second time around, I knew that if we have a chance to kind of be in this position, I want to be there. And I worked hard to train my body and do the things that I can necessary. It hurts more than anything,” said Lassiter.

The San Miguel Beermen wing man is one of the pioneering members of the first Gilas Pilipinas iteration which missed the 2012 London Olympics by just two wins.

Lassiter was named part of the 2014 World Cup pool by then head coach Chot Reyes but had to pull out during that time.

He finally got to return to national team services last year when current head mentor Yeng Guiao put him in several line-ups throughout the Asian Qualifiers.

Lassiter added his knee doesn’t feel “the way I like it to feel.”

“(It’s) not where it needs to be. I know the type of game I play, I know the two-way player I am. It’s at the beginning stages of my rehab,” furthered Lassiter.

His injury doesn’t only affect Gilas Pilipinas but also the Grand Slam hopes of his mother club San Miguel in the PBA.

Nevertheless, Lassiter has signified his support and is even confident in other wing guys, especially CJ Perez and Robert Bolick, that they could get the job done.