The focus shifts to the FIBA World Cup after the successful retrieval of the SEA Games gold.
Time to forget the linoleum flooring and harrowing heat of Cambodia. Gilas Pilipinas will now divert its full attention to the upcoming FIBA World Cup.
The national team will recuperate for two weeks after an exhausting trip in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games before getting back on board for the very important FIBA event.
"Magpapahinga muna after the SEA Games, but the target is the start of June," Gilas Pilipinas team manager Butch Antonio told News5.
The team management has yet to confirm names of who will make the pool for the FIBA World Cup. It's safe to expect familiar names though.
"I don't want to preempt anybody yet. We have to discuss on who the pool will be pero mayroon nang mga people in mind for sure. I'm sure you know naman the usual suspects. But it's best that we come up with a list officially before we do any announcements," Antonio added.
The good news is, Gilas Pilipinas is in constant communication with national team hoopers playing abroad, particularly the guys in Japan. Fans expect guys like Dwight Ramos and Kai Sotto—especially the 7-foot-2 center—to make the final cut.
"The Japan players, we've been talking. Schedules na lang nga. We will still be taking the plans through the next couple of days, getting in touch with people concerned to give the schedules of the plans leading into the World Cup."
Gilas will have to field its best iteration of the national team in order to advance to the knockout stage. The Philippines will have a difficult task after being grouped with Italy, Dominican Republic, and Angola. All these teams beat Gilas badly in the past, but fans are optimistic of the country's chances. Magdilang-anghel nawa.