Gilas frontcourt update
Veteran bigs Ian Sangalang and Japeth Aguilar are likely out.
GILAS faces frontcourt challenges in the buildup to the Fiba Basketball World Cup Asian qualifiers.
Ian Sangalang, who suffered a cut on his forehead in Magnolia’s semifinal loss to TNT, has withdrawn, according to Spin.ph sources.
Japeth Aguilar, meanwhile, has been placed under health safety protocols.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas had also included June Mar Fajardo in the 24-man pool but the Gilas star center became unavailable as San Miguel advanced to the finals of the PBA Philippine Cup.
Frontcourt focus now turns to Kai Sotto, the 20-year-old big man who re-signed with the Adelaide 36ers in the NBL after being left out of the NBA Draft.
Jio also uncertain
Jio Jalalon is dealing with a hamstring issue.
JIO Jalalon has showed up at Gilas Pilipinas practice but has not joined the training.
The 30-year-old Magnolia guard is dealing with a hamstring problem and is doubtful for the Philippine men’s basketball team’s games against Lebanon and Saudi Arabia in the fourth window of the Fiba Basketball World Cup Asian qualifiers.
“I talked to Jio together with our PT. I think meron siyang check up para lang tingnan kung anong puwedeng gawin doon sa hamstring niya,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.
“I’m proud of these two kasi kahit papaano napapansin yung kanilang hardwork and contribution,” he added.
The Philippines plays Lebanon in Beirut on Aug. 25 and host Saudi Arabia on Aug. 29.
Clarkson trains with Gilas
Jordan Clarkson is back with Gilas.
JORDAN Clarkson has joined Gilas Pilipinas practice a day after arriving in the country.
The Utah Jazz guard joined the afternoon practice on Saturday at Meralco gym with Kai Sotto of the Australia’s NBL, PBA players Scottie Thompson, Kevin Alas, Calvin Oftana, Jamie Malonzo, Chris Newsome and Arvin Tolentino, free agent Roosevelt Adams, Japan B.League imports Bobby Ray Parks, Kiefer Ravena, Thirdy Ravena and Dwight Ramos with college players Carl Tamayo and Francis Lopez.
Clarkson joins the Philippine men’s basketball team again after seeing action in the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta.