THOUGH it will have a huge impact on its title campaign in the coming Jones Cup, Strong Group Athletics (SGA) is willing to sacrifice for the sake of flag and country.
This was made clear by team manager Jacob Lao, who has already informed his coaching staff about the possibility of SGA lending either Rhenz Abando or Jordan Heading to Gilas Pilipinas for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Riga, Latvia.
In an interview with SPIN.ph, Lao bared that it will be an honor for SGA to help the national cause in pursuit of basketball glory not just in the region, but in the world.
“Honestly, one of the reasons we have been forming teams to play abroad is to represent the Philippines. Our program is leaned towards national development of basketball,” said the son of businessman and sportsman Frank Lao.
“The feeling of giving pride to our basketball-loving kababayans is priceless. I just hope makatulong nang malaki should there be need to borrow the two or any one of them,” he said.
READ: SOURCE: Gilas tried signing Parks, Abando, Wright to fill Scottie spot
Lao shared that right after SPIN.ph broke the story of Abando and Heading being among those eyed to fill the void in the Gilas pool left by the injured Scottie Thompson, he received a call from a high-ranking Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas official.
“May nakausap na kami at nag-exploratory talks na. Kasi matagal na raw nila gusto yung mga players kaso may mga commitments nga. Nagkataon, yung commitment pala nung dalawa na gusto nila, nasa amin. So walang problema yun,” said Lao.
“Basta para sa bansa, ang commitment ng mga players namin is para sa bansa. Yan naman ang gusto ni boss Frank. Magsabi lang po, basta kaya naming tumulong para sa bansa, lagi kaming andito," added the former Ateneo guard.
Abando and Heading were expected to be the cornerstones of a formidable SGA side which also includes other veteran internationalists like Kiefer Ravena, Dave Ildefonso, and naturalized center Ange Kouame. The team is also co-mentored by pioneer Gilas coach Rajko Toroman.
“We have players and coaches willing to help out. Open kami dyan lagi. Para sa bansa. One strong team tayo,” said Lao, while also adding their willingness to even open up the pool of the Converge FiberXers, for whom he is also the team manager, to help out.
SGA's plans to fill possible holes of their own
Meanwhile, SGA chief tactician Charles Tiu revealed he is now looking at contingency plans should Abando, Heading, or any other of his players be taken in on loan by Gilas coach Tim Cone and other San Miguel Corporation officials who are now in charge of the program.
Tiu - currently on his way back to Manila from a trip in Vancouver, Canada - expressed that more than their team’s gains, their main priority has always been the interest of the country.
“My take on this development is the same as boss Jacob. It would hurt our preparations, but we definitely encourage the players to play for the country. We believe it’s the greatest honor,” said the concurrent shot-caller of the Benilde Blazers.
“We have been forming teams to compete abroad with the sole purpose of representing the country. And right now, the bigger opportunity to serve the Philippines is by lending our players. We would always take that chance,” he added.
Asked if Heading and Abando can fit in the Gilas system of Cone, Tiu answered: “I think they’d help. These two have proven their worth sa Gilas and they have the skills to complement the system of coach Tim as well as the other players in the team."
“Heading can play both guard spots and can shoot. Coach Tim will really like him. Abando will give a lot of athleticism and shooting too in the wing spot,” he added.
That's exactly why the youthful mentor was not surprised at all to hear about the plans to insert his two players to the Gilas roster.
“I know they invited Jordan, but he has some personal obligations that he couldn’t move to make it on time. Rhenz has always been ready especially when it comes to playing for the country. He has been all out with that. He kills himself every game,” he said.
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