Gilas still strong minus other stars
National team veteran Ranidel de Ocampo believes that Gilas Pilipinas Coach Tab Baldwin will be able to form a competitive squad for the FIBA Asia Championship despite a string of pullouts by several players.
While he is hoping for June Mar Fajardo, Marc Pingris and LA Tenorio, among others, to have a change of heart, the Talk ‘N Text star is confident that Gilas will come out fighting in the Rio Olympics qualifier set late-September in Changsa, China.
“Hindi naman mawawala yung pagiging palaban nating mga Pinoy e, yung pusong pa-laban natin anjan,” said de Ocampo, who is among the players expected to attend Gilas’ first practice session.
“Kung hindi man siguro dumating yung talagang gustong kunin na mga players, kung ano yung nandyan, gawan na lang ng paraan. Hindi naman talaga lahat e kayang makuha e.
“Sa buhay hindi mo din lahat naman makukuha, may mga kulang talaga minsan. Kaya kung ano yung meron ka, kung ano naka-hain sa mesa, yun ang kakainin mo,” added de Ocampo.
De Ocampo was commenting to queries regarding reports that Fajardo and Pingris have already begged off from representing the country in the Asian Championship for various reasons.
Tenorio, on the hand, had confirmed his decision to skip the tournament due to fatigue and poor play.
Fajardo, Pingris and Tenorio were De Ocampo’s teammates during Gilas’ historic runs in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship in Manila and the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain.
Several former Gilas members who are in Baldwin’s wish list are rumored to have turn down the invitation. Still, de Ocampo is hoping that something will come up.
“Siyempre gusto ko pa din sila maka-sama,” said de Ocampo, referring to Fajardo and Pingris. “Hindi natin masabi, baka mamaya biglang dumating sila, biglang anjan na pala sila sa ensayo.”
“Baka gusto lang muna magbakasyon sandali, or mag-pahinga. Walang kasiguraduhan na wala na talaga sila. Sana andyan pa din sila, alam naman nila na para sa Pilipinas ito.”
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas deputy for international affairs Butch Antonio said yesterday that Gilas will formally start training on Monday.