We know there’s a boatload of them, but we’re sticking to four.
Gilas Pilipinas are in the thick of their preparations for the FIBA World Cup in Manila.
While there were some hiccups here and there, things are now looking up for the team which recently welcomed the arrival of Utah Jazz star Jordan Clarkson.
Kai Sotto and Scottie Thompson, who were nursing injuries, also reported to practice less than two weeks before the quadrennial meet.
Before the World Cup unfurls on the 25th, let us relieve some of the best moments that led to it.
Homecoming for Clarkson
Filipino fans showed Clarkson the love when he first played in Manila during the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
Clarkson reciprocated that with a 23-point, 6-assist, and 5-rebound effort in an 84-46 win over Saudi Arabia at the Mall of Asia Arena last year.
Brownlee vs Jordan
The beloved Barangay Ginebra San Miguel resident import proved he deserved to be the team’s naturalized player.
Brownlee carried the team on his shoulders, scattering 41 points, but in a heartbreaking 91-90 loss to Jordan at the Philippine Arena.
It was a game that saw reigning PBA MVP Scottie Thompson bungle a pair of free throws with 30 seconds to go that cost the team the match.
Carmelo Anthony in Manila
It’s not everyday an NBA superstar descend on Philippine soil.
That’s why even Gilas players were giddy when Carmelo Anthony watched the Gilas-Lebanon game in the sixth window of the qualifiers.
Bobby Ray Parks Jr. even had a brief interaction with his idol, who is the World Cup global ambassador.
It wasn't only Rayray who got that honor of connecting with Melo, as Justin Noypi himself received a few words of advice from the NBA great.
Kaiju-JC connection
Fans got a preview of Kai Sotto in action in the NBA when he teamed up with Clarkson in the qualifiers.
From alley-oop dunks, to the baseball pass from the other end of the court that saw the 7-foot-3 finishing it up with a two-handed flush, it was definitely a treat for the fans.
Perhaps it is an omen that one day the two will team up in the NBA?
Buckle up, hoops fans, as Gilas is ready to make more memories for the country in the upcoming FIBA World Cup.
(GM)