MAPUA’s Clint Escamis confirmed that he’s in the initial list for the Gilas Pilipinas squad under coach Norman Black in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, and he’s made it known that he’s more than interested in playing for the team.
Escamis has already submitted his passport and has already talked with SBP grassroots program coach Bacon Austria.
“They called me one day, and nagbigay sila ng calling card sa SBP,” he shared in the NCAA media day at the Novotel Hotel last Monday.
READ: NCAA 101: Coaches agree title chase will still go through Mapua
With the Korean Basketball League rejecting the SBP’s request to borrow SJ Belangel, head coach Norman Black could utilize another potent scorer and playmaker, things that made Escamis an MVP, a finals MVP and a champion in the NCAA.
“Di ko alam anong nangyayari doon pero to be included in the long list of that roster siyempre karangalan na ‘yun sakin,” he continued.
“Sobrang grabe na yung pangalan ko nun if makasama mana ko sa lineup.”
There’s just one problem in all of this though – the scheduling.
Unlike the UAAP which hopes to finish its season before December, the NCAA will run up until December 14 at the latest. The SEA Games will start on December 7.
NCAA Management Committee chairman Melchor Divina of Mapua said that if it comes to that, it will most likely be at the school’s discretion.
“Pinakamatagal na matatapos ang NCAA is December 14, kung game two lang, December 10. So kung first week at may kukunin sa NCAA at pumasok sa finals, siyempre baka di pumayag ang school,” he said.
“Pero kung kukunin ay out na at wala na silang laro, siyempre papagamit naman yan ng NCAA, di naman madamot ang NCAA. Pero siyempre priority [ang school] kung pumasok ka sa finals at tatamaan yung SEA Games at hihiramin,” he added.
Asked about Escamis’ case – it all depends if they’re playing in the finals by that time.
“Kung sa Mapua mangyayari yan, siyempre priority muna ang [NCAA]. Meron parin naman time na mahihiram, pahihiram.”
Still, last year’s finals MVP is hopeful that this isn’t his last call-up for the national team.
“I really didn’t think of it kasi siyempre focus muna ako sa NCAA pero siyempre sino bang ayaw ang dream na makasama sa Gilas.”
“Di ko pa siya tinetake heavily na parang kailangan ma-roster. If it happens, it happens. Hopefully, if ever man, payagan ako ng NCAA. Lets see.”
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