EVEN Gilas Pilipinas was not spared by typhoon Mario.
The first of the national team’s first two practices scheduled Friday had to be cancelled after monsoon rains brought about by the latest weather disturbance inundated Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
Gilas was scheduled to have an 8-10 a.m. practice at the Philsports Arena, but with roads leading to the government-owned venue flooded, coach Chot Reyes was forced to call it off.
But pressed for time in its preparations for the Asian Games in Incheon with Marcus Douthit in the lineup, Gilas decided to push through with its 4-6 p.m. practice at the Meralco gym, even if the weather had shown little improvement late in the day.
Chot Reyes had little choice, given the practice will likely be the last for Gilas before it departs for the Asian Games where the Philippines will be shooting for its first gold medal since 1962.
[See Castro in a rush to bring home players' passports in time for Gilas departure for Incheon]
Reyes said he still couldn’t say if Gilas’ scheduled flight to Incheon, South Korea on Saturday will leave on schedule.
“No idea,” he added.
Meantime, Reyes said Gilas consultant Tab Baldwin was able to leave the country despite bad weather to do the advance scouting for the national squad in Incheon.
Also leaving for Incheon, but on a later flight, were assistant coaches Jong Uichico and Josh Reyes.
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