Gilas door still open for San Mig’s Lassiter

Gilas Pilipinas coach Tab Baldwin has named his14-man roster that will travel to Europe for training camp and tune up games in preparation for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) here next month.

Not included in the Europe trip is San Miguel Beer’s Marcio Lassiter.

Player-agent Marvin Espiritu, who represents Lassiter together with Matthew Manotoc, said all is not lost for the sweet-shooting guard.

Espiritu said the door is still open for Lassiter to join the team later once he gets a clearance from his doctor.

The national team mentor is reportedly eager to have the Fil-Am guard in the team.

Time constraints, however, forced Baldwin to leave Lassiter since he’s still in the recovery period after suffering from bronchopneumonia.

The team is leaving for Greece tonight.

The 6-foot-2 Lassiter has not pulled out from the national team training pool despite missing nearly two weeks of practice sessions due to his ailment.

Espiritu said they are in constant communication with Gilas team manager Butch Antonio about the possibility of the San Miguel Beer guard joining the training poll in Europe.

“It’s actually up to coach Tab, but it’s still possible for Marcio to join the team,” said Espiritu when contacted by the Bulletin. “What’s important is for Marcio to get clearance from his doctors.”

“The next check up of Marcio is Saturday. If he can get clearance, we’ll relay it to them (Gilas). Marcio wants to play, he has not pulled out,” added Espiritu.

Baldwin initially deferred the announcement following the game against Iran Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, but a few hours later Gilas team manager Butch Antonio posted on his Twitter account the names of the 14 players.

The players joining Baldwin in Europe are naturalized Andray Blatche, Ryan Reyes, LA Tenorio, June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Ranidel de Ocampo, Jeff Chan, Ray-Ray Parks, Marc Pingris, Troy Rosario, Gabe Norwood, Calvin Abueva, Jayson Castro and Terrence Romeo.

Even before the announcement came, Baldwin said it was difficult.

“It’s a brutal decision for the head coach,” said Baldwin “Probably one of the few things in life I’d like to run away from every time I have to confront it… but you can’t.”