JEROM Lastimosa is insistent that his window is open for any invite that he may get from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) to the Gilas Pilipinas pool for the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers in February.
Adamson head coach Nash Racela, who has mentored Lastimosa for two seasons this year, had wondered why his floor general had not come under consideration yet for the national team.
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"Actually yun ang tanong ko, bakit si Jerom Lastimosa is not part of the Gilas pool? I've been itching to tweet about that. Nobody talks about that pag Gilas ang pinag-uusapan," Racela said in their season-ending press conference on Wednesday.
"I've always read that he's the best point guard in college basketball. If he really is the best one, why is he not part of the pool of Gilas?" he added.
Lastimosa flourished during his fourth season in the UAAP, putting up 14.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists for the 7-7 Soaring Falcons.
Among his best games during the tournament was a seven-assist, zero-turnover game, and a memorable 22-point performance to help tow his side to the Final Four.
Racela was adamant that the 5'9 guard has something to showcase for the national team.
"I always think about that. I am proud of him and his achievements. I also feel that he also deserves a spot and take a look at him," insisted Racela.
"They'll be surprised, actually. Pag ininvite nila, baka magulat sila."
Gilas, which has a 5-3 record in Group E, is looking to defend its homecourt at the Philippine Arena against Lebanon on Feb. 24 and Jordan on Feb. 27 next year.
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