Gilas Pilipinas: Jong Uichico named head coach for FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers 2nd window

Veteran Philippine basketball coach Jong Uichico will serve as the head coach of a young Gilas Pilipinas squad that shall compete in the 2nd window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 qualifiers 2nd window later this month in Bahrain.

Uichico will be handling the likes of Kobe Paras, Dwight Ramos, Isaac Go, Mike Nieto, Matt Nieto, Rey Suerte, Juan Gomez de Liano, and Justin Baltazar.

Gilas is set to face Thailand twice in the 2nd window, which has been pretty much delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Philippines currently has a 1-0 record after beating Indonesia, 100-70 last February. Korea has pulled out from the tournament, citing health and safety concerns.

Uichico served as head coach during the 2017 SEA Games. He was also a deputy during the 2019 SEA Games, and was an assistant for Chot Reyes and Rajko Toroman.

The several-time PBA champion coach is also in-charge of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ coaching seminars.