AT the conclusion of its training camp in Europe, Gilas Pilipinas is facing important decisions in Manila concerning the pool and the build-up for the Fiba Basketball World Cup next month.
A major decision that the Gilas coaching staff will have to make concerns Scottie Thompson and Dwight Ramos, who have sustained injuries during the camp in Estonia and Lithuania.
Thompson sustained a metacarpal fracture in his shooting hand during practice, and the timeline of his return will only be determined when the reigning PBA MVP consults with a hand specialist in Manila.
READ: Gilas scheduled to play national teams in China tuneups
Another vital piece for Gilas Pilipinas, Ramos is apparently dealing with a knee injury, which explains why he has not played in the recent tune-up games.
Gilas coach Chot Reyes admitted the fitness of Thompson and Ramos will factor into decision's concerning the pool.
“We have to take a look and get the official medical prognosis of Scottie’s injury, get an MRI on Dwight’s knee because these are very important decisions that we will have to make in Manila,” Reyes said.
In past interviews, Reyes said Gilas can still add players to the pool over the course of their preparation for the World Cup. Initially, a 21-man pool was named that was later trimmed down following an injury to Carl Tamayo.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial has already indicated that the league is open to lending more players for the Fiba Basketball World Cup campaign during their offseason.
Gilas has concluded its training camp in Europe where the Nationals got three wins out of their six tune-up games against different teams. They will head back to Manila to continue their build-up for the World Cup.
“They have to rest and then, we have to evaluate and sit down with the coaching staff,” said Reyes.
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