Garcia runs light practice in place of Guiao as Gilas awaits Blatche arrival

IN one rare occasion, the drill master wasn't around when Gilas Pilipinas held its regular Thursday practice at the Meralco gym.

Coach Yeng Guiao was not in attendance for the nightly session as he attended NLEX's birthday celebration for big boss Manny V. Pangilinan at the Grand Hyatt hotel

In Guiao's absence, top deputy Caloy Garcia held court for Gilas although the players did nothing more than just a shooting practice that lasted for just about an hour.

Present for Gilas are June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Kiefer Ravena, Marc Barroca, Poy Erram, Roger Pogoy, Gabe Norwood, Beau Belga, CJ Perez, Robert Bolick, Paul Lee, Troy Rosario, Raymond Almazan, and Matthew Wright.

Marcio Lassiter was the only player not around.

Rosario, Fajardo, and Lee however, didn't join the shooting session.

The light practice comes days before naturalized player Andray Blatche's expected arrival in the country. The former NBA player is set to be in the country by Saturday.