GILAS Pilipinas Men's head coach Yeng Guiao expects the tricky Jayson Castro situation to be resolved next week, but this early, he's not too optimistic.
"Maliit na yung chance," Guiao admitted on Thursday when asked about the possibility of a change of heart from the player twice adjudged as the best point guard in Asia.
Castro continued to miss the national team's practices as he has previously stated to Guiao his intention to focus on some "personal matters," especially after finally tying the knot over the weekend.
Castro's absence would create a big hole in the backcourt for Gilas, leaving an increasingly desperate Guiao to consider drafting Kiefer Ravena to the team at the end of a doping ban imposed by Fiba.
"That’s going to be crucial for us. We cannot afford to lose Jayson and Kiefer dahil made-deplete tayo masyado sa point guard position," Guiao said.
Ravena will finally be cleared for training on Monday, two months away from the expiration of his Fiba-imposed 18-month suspension in August. The 2019 Fiba World Cup will start on August 31 in China.
"Wala naman akong nakikitang problema kay Kiefer. By that time, he’s going to be eligible," he said.
Guiao's only issue with Ravena will be the playmaker's conditioning as he remains prohibited from playing in league games until August 24.
"Maghahabol na lang siya sa conditioning. Of course, he will not be in basketball shape, but I have full confidence that he’s taking care of himself," said Guiao. who is also Ravena's coach at NLEX.
"He’s not in full basketball shape yet, but he’s in decent shape. DI naman siya nagpapabaya ng katawan at nagpunta pa nga siya ng US to train on his own. So I expect him to practice with us sa Gilas on Monday."
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