Crucial weeks ahead for Gilas.
Gilas Pilipinas has more than two months left to prepare for the FIBA World Cup. And with time winding down guard Chris Newsome said the national team will be all systems go when training shifts to the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna.
Low attendance in practice and the noticeable absence of marquee names from the 21-man pool have people worrying. Not to mention, Kai Sotto—who remains in the US for his NBA push—and Utah Jazz star guard Jordan Clarkson are expected to miss the crucial European training camp.
Despite that, there’s optimism within the Gilas squad as training will start to shift gears at the Inspire Sports Academy.
"We have a training camp at Inspire and I think we’re gonna be all systems go whenever it comes to that,” the Meralco Bolts guard said in an interview with One Sports’ The Game.
"The guys have had injuries. Their timetable is to be for this training camp, in Inspire. So that way, we have chemistry together, [and] we have our legs under us in time for us to head for Estonia.
Newsome himself has shown a solid commitment to the national team. Since getting his first crack to represent the Philippines during the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, Newsome has proven that he can be relied upon to give his best for the country.
"Man, it’s always an honor to represent the country, to wear Pilipinas, to have that jersey.”
Newsome's mindset about donning the Philippine colors is something Filipino fans could rally behind.
"Even just attending practices, and being a part of that organization. It’s a feeling that I don’t want to take for granted, and this was an opportunity that recently came upon me, so I’m taking it with everything that I have.”