Young guns will have to grow faster for the national team.
Limitations in the big man department—the eternal problem of Gilas Pilipinas—will more likely pave way for the seniors team debut of the youngest Gilas Pilipinas pool member.
With Japeth Aguilar, Kai Sotto, and Carl Tamayo out, Ateneo Blue Eagles forward Mason Amos is expected to make the final 12 for the final window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Coach Chot Reyes knows he has very limited options in the forward-center spots. The 41-year-old Kelly Williams has already been activated to aid the undermanned squad.
"Right now, we have opted to rest Kelly (Williams) because the last three games have just been too much on his body. The Meralco guys are out as well. Mason is really looking like he has a real shot," coach Chot said after Tuesday night's practice.
Amos has been flooded with praises since his arrival in the Philippines due to his size and shooting ability. Reyes himself earlier expressed how impressive Amos is.
The 18-year-old recruit has been working with Aguilar in GIlas Pilipinas practices before the national team veteran was ruled out due to a knee injury.
Coach Chot, however, does not want to preempt the lineup, which they plan to release before the deadline of Thursday, 12 noon.
"We're going to have a collective decision," Reyes said. "My experience in these things is anything can happen. We will never know. That's why we're telling everyone to just be ready."
Unlike the forward and center positions, Gilas Pilipinas currently has a logjam in the guard spot, where the national team is expected to make cuts. Reyes said, the entire squad knows their duty and will sacrifice for flag and country even if there's no guarantee if they will be included in the final 12.
"We have to make a final decision on who’s going to make the final 12. But like we said, we told the players, part of their commitment is to be here, to be part of the pool, without any assurance on who’s going to make the final 12. If they’re not willing to accept that then they have to just let us know. But, lahat naman sila, they understand what it takes."
For its first match in this window, Gilas will face Lebanon on Friday, February 24, at the Philippine Arena.