ANTIPOLO – Meralco is hoping Chris Newsome will get a call-up for Gilas Pilipinas pool that will go on a months-long buildup for the Fiba Basketball World Cup.
The Bolts are already preparing for that possibility with Newsome not being played by the ballclub during the PBA on Tour exhibition series.
“We are praying and hoping na magkaroon siya [ng opportunity] sa Gilas. Kasi once in a lifetime lang ‘yun,” said Trillo.
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Trillo said the recent performance of Newsome in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games proved that he deserves at least a consideration for Gilas in the World Cup.
Newsome was one of the unsung heroes in Gilas’ gold-medal match against Cambodia, where he scored 16 points on 7-of-12 shooting and had two rebounds and four assists in the 80-69 win over the host country.
“He proved naman na nagpakita siya, when guys were down, he stepped up sa SEA Games. We want New focused. That’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity na bansa ang nakataya doon. I hope he gets a chance and we are not going to pressure him back because that’s the most important thing,” said Trillo.
Gilas is set to resume practices on June 7 to specifically prepare for the Fiba Basketball World Cup.
Trillo said Newsome also deserves some rest following the SEA Games campaign especially with his recent history of a calf injury during the Commissioner’s Cup.
Trillo said Newsome can already play for Meralco in the PBA on Tour once there is some clarity to his status with Gilas.
“New’s calf has been hurting him. It’s good for him that he has time to heal. This week, he could have practice. Although nandoon siya, he is there in practice, he is engaged. We realized that he needs some time to rest," Trillo said.
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