BARANGAY Ginebra youngsters Ralph Cu and Donald Gumaru got an unlikely call-up from Gilas Pilipinas as practice players during the buildup for the recent Fiba Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers.
Cu and Gumaru were part of the Gilas training camp at Inspire Sports Academy as well as the practices in Manila to help out the national team, being familiar with the system of coach Tim Cone.
The Gilas exposure came two weeks before Barangay Ginebra opens its campaign in the PBA Philippine Cup which happens on Friday against Rain or Shine.
“I have to admit, we kinda adapted them because, number one, they are really enthusiastic and that kinda lifted us up a bit, and number two, they know the system. They are models and teachers to the guys,” said Cone when asked about the presence of Cu and Gumaru in the Gilas training sessions.
Cu is in his rookie season after being drafted in the second round, No. 23 overall by Barangay Ginebra. Gumaru, meanwhile, went undrafted in 2021 before being picked up by Ginebra in the PBA 3x3 and eventually in the 5-on-5 for the season.
But Cu and Gumaru were used sparingly during the Commissioner’s Cup, playing in eight and four games respectively for the Gin Kings. Gumaru hasn’t scored in his young PBA career.
Gilas motivation
Cone said Cu and Gumaru’s Gilas stint, albeit as practice players, will serve as a big motivation on their part.
“These guys are still asking questions, where should I be, what should I do. In the meantime, they are just generating a lot of confidence for themselves, even playing with these guys at this level, getting in scrimmages and hit and knock shots down and defend them. That’s going to raise your own level of confidence.”
“It’s exciting times for these guys. They’ve been God-sent to us. Because of injuries, we (Gilas) had short rosters. They’ve been able to step up and not lose a beat,” said Cone.
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