Gilas Pilipinas: Deciding World Cup Final 12 ‘difficult’ for Guiao; Lassiter out
Gilas Pilipinas head coach Yeng Guiao admitted he will be having a hard time choosing who amongst the national team pool members will make the 12-man roster for the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
The Philippines beat Australian club team Adelaide 36ers yesterday, 92-83, in the 1st of a 2-game closed door goodwill games series.
Andray Blatche was spectacular with 19 points, 18 rebounds, and 9 assists. Japeth Aguilar had 17 points on 7/9 shooting. CJ Perez, Roger Pogoy, and Paul Lee all finished with at least 10 points too.
The team won even without Poy Erram, Matthew Wright, and Marcio Lassiter. But given Erram and Wright’s injuries aren’t too serious according to Guiao, choosing who makes the final roster becomes an even more difficult decision to make since he also wants to see his injured players hit the court first and see what they could do.
“It’s difficult to choose the final 12. Poy (Erram) could not play. He has a knee issue. Matthew (Wright) also has health concerns so I’m a little worried about those two because I really wanted to see them in this situation,” said Guiao per ESPN5’s Noel Zarate.
Guiao added San Miguel sharpshooter Marcio Lassiter will not be making the final cut due to the MCL injury he sustained during the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
“I (also) spoke to Marcio (Lassiter). He won’t be making it (on time in his recovery from a strained MCL).”
It was earlier reported the team will have its final 12 on Sunday after the 2nd tune-up game against the 36ers, but Guiao has a slight problem.
“It’s a little concerning. The injuries (to Erram and Wright) are not really serious. The problem is that this is the time we need to see them playing,” added Guiao.
Meanwhile, Kiefer Ravena will also make his much-awaited return on Sunday after an 18-month long FIBA-imposed suspension due to a banned susbtance.
Having the NLEX Road Warrior play may also have a bearing in Guiao’s decision, which he may push back a few days later.
“Kiefer (Ravena) kept himself in really good shape. He worked very hard. He’s mentally strong, he has high basketball IQ. So I think he may grope for form for a few minutes, but he’ll get his game back. I have high confidence that he can do that,” furthered Guiao.
Gilas will fly for China on Tuesday, August 27, per ESPN5.
